United States Code
USC most recently checked for updates: Jun 09, 2025
Rule 7.
Pleadings Allowed; Form of Motions and Other Papers
(a)
Pleadings.
Only these pleadings are allowed:
(1)
a complaint;
(2)
an answer to a complaint;
(3)
an answer to a counterclaim designated as a counterclaim;
(4)
an answer to a crossclaim;
(5)
a third-party complaint;
(6)
an answer to a third-party complaint; and
(7)
if the court orders one, a reply to an answer.
(b)
Motions and Other Papers.
(1)
In General. A request for a court order must be made by motion. The motion must:
(A)
be in writing unless made during a hearing or trial;
(B)
state with particularity the grounds for seeking the order; and
(C)
state the relief sought.
(2)
Form. The rules governing captions and other matters of form in pleadings apply to motions and other papers.
(As amended Dec. 27, 1946 , eff. Mar. 19, 1948 ; Jan. 21, 1963 , eff. July 1, 1963 ; Apr. 28, 1983 , eff. Aug. 1, 1983 ; Apr. 30, 2007 , eff. Dec. 1, 2007 .)
