Which option describes a general denial?

Which option describes a general denial?

• A. A general denial denies all allegations in the pleading
• B. A general denial denies only listed paragraphs
• C. A general denial denies nothing
• D. A general denial requires sworn declaration

Answer: (A)

A general denial is a blanket refusal to contest every assertion in the complaint. The essential idea is that the defendant says, in effect, “I deny all of the plaintiff’s claims,” rather than addressing each fact individually. This broad denial contrasts with a specific (or particular) denial, which targets only certain allegations or paragraphs. It also isn’t about whether anything is sworn or verified—that’s a separate requirement—and a general denial describes the scope of denial, not the form of verification. So denying all allegations best captures what a general denial means.

A general denial is a blanket refusal to contest every assertion in the complaint. The essential idea is that the defendant says, in effect, “I deny all of the plaintiff’s claims,” rather than addressing each fact individually. This broad denial contrasts with a specific (or particular) denial, which targets only certain allegations or paragraphs. It also isn’t about whether anything is sworn or verified—that’s a separate requirement—and a general denial describes the scope of denial, not the form of verification. So denying all allegations best captures what a general denial means.