General Denial Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of General Denial, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is General Denial?

History and Meaning of General Denial

In the legal world, a General Denial is a form of response to a complaint or accusation made against an individual or entity. It is used as a way to refute the entire claim against them, without specifically denying each of the charges with definite and specific reasons. The purpose of a General Denial is to force the plaintiff to prove their case, as the defendant is not providing any clear denials to the charges.

This legal tactic of issuing a General Denial has a long history and is still commonly used today in various cases. In the past, it was a way for defendants to more easily dispute claims made against them, without having to provide detailed explanations for each of the charges brought forth. However, in modern times, it can be seen as a way for defendants to delay the legal proceedings and make the plaintiffs work harder to prove their case.

Examples of General Denial

Here are a few examples of how a General Denial might be used in different legal contexts:

• A company accused of wrongful termination issues a General Denial stating that they did not violate any employment laws or regulations.
• An individual charged with theft issues a General Denial denying any wrongdoing, but without providing any specific explanation.
• A landlord served with a complaint about the state of the rented property issues a General Denial, claiming that the property was in good condition and that they had not violated any tenant rights.

Legal Terms Similar to General Denial

Here are a few related legal terms that might be used in similar contexts:

• Specific Denial: A response to a complaint or accusation that specifically denies each charge with clear reasons.
• Answer: A formal written response to a complaint, usually in a question-and-answer format.
• Affirmative Defense: A legal argument made by a defendant that rebuts or excuses the plaintiff's claim, rather than just denying it.
• Counterclaim: A claim made by the defendant against the plaintiff, often as a response to a complaint or accusation.