What is a counterclaim in civil litigation?

A counterclaim is specifically defined as a claim made by a defendant against the plaintiff in the context of civil litigation. This occurs during a legal proceeding when the defendant believes they have their own cause of action against the party who initiated the lawsuit. By filing a counterclaim, the defendant can seek relief or damages that they allege resulted from the plaintiff's actions. This allows for a more comprehensive resolution of the disputes between the parties, as the court can consider both the original claim and the counterclaim in a single proceeding.

The nature of a counterclaim is crucial because it provides the defendant an opportunity to assert their rights and defenses, which can sometimes offset or negate the plaintiff's claims. Therefore, it plays a significant role in the litigation process, ensuring that the court hears all relevant issues and can adjudicate them effectively.