(a) In general.- At any time before the case is called for trial, the defendant may file a written answer to the complaint.
(b) Form.- The answer need not be in any particular form.
(c) Denial on defendant's behalf.- The court shall enter a general denial of the complaint on behalf of the defendant if the defendant does not:
(1) file a written answer; or
(2) admit the material allegations of the complaint in open court.
(d) Court to ensure that defendant understands complaint.- To ensure that the defendant understands the nature and substance of the complaint, the court shall read or explain the complaint to the defendant if the defendant:
(1) appears for trial without filing a written answer; or
(2) files a written answer admitting the complaint and is not represented by counsel.
(a) In general.- At any time before the case is called for trial, the defendant may file a written answer to the complaint.
(b) Form.- The answer need not be in any particular form.
(c) Denial on defendant's behalf.- The court shall enter a general denial of the complaint on behalf of the defendant if the defendant does not:
(1) file a written answer; or
(2) admit the material allegations of the complaint in open court.
(d) Court to ensure that defendant understands complaint.- To ensure that the defendant understands the nature and substance of the complaint, the court shall read or explain the complaint to the defendant if the defendant:
(1) appears for trial without filing a written answer; or
(2) files a written answer admitting the complaint and is not represented by counsel.
(a) In general.- At any time before the case is called for trial, the defendant may file a written answer to the complaint.
(b) Form.- The answer need not be in any particular form.
(c) Denial on defendant's behalf.- The court shall enter a general denial of the complaint on behalf of the defendant if the defendant does not:
(1) file a written answer; or
(2) admit the material allegations of the complaint in open court.
(d) Court to ensure that defendant understands complaint.- To ensure that the defendant understands the nature and substance of the complaint, the court shall read or explain the complaint to the defendant if the defendant:
(1) appears for trial without filing a written answer; or
(2) files a written answer admitting the complaint and is not represented by counsel.
