According to the form of pleadings, how should the claim or defense be presented?

• A. In a single unnumbered paragraph with multiple facts
• B. In multiple separate documents
• C. In numbered paragraphs limited to a single set of circumstances
• D. In a narrative form without numbering

Answer: (C)

Pleadings should present the claim or defense in numbered paragraphs, with each paragraph addressing a single set of facts or a single theory of liability or defense. This structure keeps issues separate and makes it easy for the court and the other party to refer to specific points when responding or filing motions. It also supports clear amendments later and avoids mixing different allegations. Presenting the claim in one long unnumbered paragraph groups multiple facts together, which muddies the issues and makes responses harder. Using multiple separate documents would split the pleading across filings, breaking the unity of the claim or defense. A narrative form without numbering similarly hides the exact points to be admitted or denied, complicating both the court’s task and the party’s ability to respond.