Русско-англо-русский юридический словарь

Statement of Defence Definition: A defendant's written answer or reply to a statement of claim, admitting or denying each and every one of the facts contained in the statement of claim and alleging such facts as the defendant wishes to assert at trial in opposition to the plaintiff's case. (Duhaime's Law Dictionary))

A statement of defense is a formal, written statement made in response to a claim in a civil suit. The statement discusses the allegations made in the claim, affirming or denying the facts presented, and may introduce additional facts, as well as defenses. This information is used during the course of the trial. (wiseGEEK)

After receiving a plaintiff's complaint, a defendant must respond with a pleading called an answer. In the answer, the defendant must address each allegation in the complaint. (Legal Information Institute)

The summons, complaint, and answer are the documents that begin a lawsuit. These documents present the positions of both the plaintiff and defendant and are required before a lawsuit can proceed. [...] The plaintiff bringing the lawsuit must file a summons and complaint to start the lawsuit. [...] The answer is the defendant’s opportunity to respond to the plaintiff’s complaint and to put forth any defenses if he or she so desires. (LAWShelf, A Project of National Paralegal College)

Answer. The formal written statement by a defendant in a civil case that responds to a complaint, articulating the grounds for defense. (Glossary of Legal Terms, U.S. Courts)

An action is a proceeding in which the parties exchange pleadings (i.e., Statement of Claim (similar to a U.S. Complaint), Statement of Defence (similar to a U.S. Answer), and Reply), produce documents, and conduct oral examinations for discovery (similar to a deposition in the U.S.). (Introductory Guide to Civil Litigation in Ontario)