Statement

In a general sense, an allegation or averment; a declaration of matters of fact. The term has also come to be used of a variety of formal allegations or narratives of facts, required by law in various jurisdictions In particular, the English judicature acts employ statement as a designation of pleadings. Statement of claim or of complaint is the name of the statement by the plaintiff, in an action brought in the high court of justice, of the ground of his complaint, and of the relief or remedy to which he claims to be entitled. It must be delivered within six weeks from the time of the defendant's entering an appearance in the action, unless the defendant, at the time of his so entering appearance, has stated that he does not require it. Statement of defence is the name of the statement delivered by a defendant, in answer of the plaintiff's statement of claim. It must be delivered within eight days after the plaintiff's delivery of his statement of claim, and may include facts supporting a right of set-off or counter-claim. To this last there may be a " statement of reply."