Legal Definitions - special traverse

A special traverse is a type of legal pleading that denies one specific fact in an opponent's argument. It is used in common law cases to challenge the accuracy of a particular claim made by the opposing party.

For example, if one party claims that the other party breached a contract, the other party may file a special traverse denying that they breached the contract, but admitting that they did not fulfill one specific aspect of the contract.

This type of pleading is different from a general traverse, which denies all the facts in the opponent's argument, and a common traverse, which denies a specific fact but also offers a formal offer for decision of the point denied.

Overall, a special traverse is a way for a party to challenge the accuracy of a specific claim made by the opposing party, while still admitting to other aspects of the case.