Legal Definitions - supplemental pleading

Supplemental pleading is a formal document filed by a party in a legal proceeding, usually a civil lawsuit, that either corrects a defect in an earlier pleading or addresses facts that have arisen since the earlier pleading was filed. It adds to the earlier pleading and does not replace it.

For example, if a plaintiff files a complaint but later discovers new evidence that supports their case, they can file a supplemental pleading to include that evidence. Another example is if a defendant files an answer but later learns of a new defense, they can file a supplemental pleading to add that defense.

Supplemental pleading is different from amended pleading, which replaces an earlier pleading and contains matters that were omitted or not known at the time of the earlier pleading.

Overall, supplemental pleading is a way for parties to ensure that the court has all the relevant information to make a fair decision in the case.