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What Does it Mean to Plead No Contest?

  • Jonathan D. Keeler Jonathan D. Keeler

Table of Contents

A plea of no contest, also known as an answer, is an answer to a civil litigation dispute in which the plaintiff does not contest the defendant’s claim. An answer can be given either orally or in writing. It can either be an acknowledgement of the facts and events underlying the lawsuit or a denial of the claim. In some cases, both parties can choose to present their answer in writing while in other cases, the party who has not been served with the complaint responds to the complaint.

Nolo contendere, also known as an answer – is a Latin term which means “I don’t contest”. It is sometimes referred to as a pleading of no contest. In legal terms, it simply means “one contest”. It is usually entered voluntarily by one party (typically the plaintiff) who objects to the jurisdiction of a court proceeding.

In most cases, a plaintiff – who enters an answer does not contest the claim, rather, he admits that the claim is not justified under the applicable law. It’s usually the defendant who seeks to have an “answer” or “complaint” entered against the plaintiff. This is referred to colloquially as an answer to the complaint.

Some common questions – that arise when what does it mean to plead no contest to a complaint include whether it affects the plaintiff’s standing to file a claim in court, and what damages are covered by the answer. Usually, a plaintiff has the right to sue even if there is no answer to the complaint. But in order for that person to be able to sue, there must be some evidence of damages. And if there is no evidence of damages, the plaintiff cannot sue because there is no chance that he will recover any damages at all. If there is evidence of damages, however, the plaintiff can file a complaint to seek damages.

A defendant, on the other hand – has the right to defend against a plaintiff’s answer to a complaint. Often, defendants try to avoid what does it mean to plead no contest because they do not want to admit that they are at fault. In addition, defendants often attempt to avoid answering questions that could potentially weaken their case. What does it mean to plead no contest?

When a plaintiff says – “I don’t contest,” what does it mean to the defendant? Usually, the defendant regards the answer as validation that the claim is valid. The defendant may opt to fight the claim in court. If the defendant loses the case, however, he has the opportunity to settle the claim out of court before a jury ever hears it.

Jonathan D. Keeler-Lawnguilt.com
Jonathan D. Keeler

I'm Jonathan, a Harvard Law graduate with over 15 years in the legal field. From international treaties to the digital complexities of cyber law, my passion is deciphering the intricate tapestry of jurisprudence and making it accessible to all. When not analyzing legal precedents, you'll find me immersed in legal thrillers or advocating for digital rights. Interests: International diplomacy, cyber security, legal literature.

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  • Changing Your Child’s Surname: Legal Steps and Considerations
  • Legal Challenges in Multiracial and Multiethnic Adoptions
  • The Legalities of Marrying Your First Cousin
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  • The Intricacies of Community Property in Divorce

Jonathan D. Keeler

I’m Jonathan, a Harvard Law graduate with over 15 years in the legal field. From international treaties to the digital complexities of cyber law, my passion is deciphering the intricate tapestry of jurisprudence and making it accessible to all. When not analyzing legal precedents, you’ll find me immersed in legal thrillers or advocating for digital rights. Interests: International diplomacy, cyber security, legal literature.

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