7A-218. Answer of defendant.
At any time prior to the time set for trial, the defendant may file a written answer admitting or denying all or any of the allegations in the complaint, or pleading new matter in avoidance. No particular form is required, but it is sufficient if in a form to enable a person of common understanding to know the nature of the defense intended. A general denial of all the allegations of the complaint is permissible.
Failure of defendant to file a written answer after being subjected to the jurisdiction of the court over his person constitutes a general denial. (1965, c. 310, s. 1; 1967, c. 691, s. 20.)
Structure North Carolina General Statutes
North Carolina General Statutes
Chapter 7A - Judicial Department
Article 19 - Small Claim Actions in District Court.
§ 7A-210 - Small claim action defined.
§ 7A-211 - Small claim actions assignable to magistrates.
§ 7A-211.1 - Actions to enforce motor vehicle mechanic and storage liens.
§ 7A-212 - Judgment of magistrate in civil action improperly assigned or not assigned.
§ 7A-213 - Procedure for commencement of action; request for and notice of assignment.
§ 7A-214 - Time within which trial is set.
§ 7A-215 - Procedure upon nonassignment of small claim action.
§ 7A-217 - Methods of subjecting person of defendant to jurisdiction.
§ 7A-218 - Answer of defendant.
§ 7A-219 - Certain counterclaims; cross claims; third-party claims not permissible.
§ 7A-220 - No required pleadings other than complaint.
§ 7A-221 - Objections to venue and jurisdiction over person.
§ 7A-222 - General trial practice and procedure.
§ 7A-223 - Practice and procedure in small claim actions for summary ejectment.
§ 7A-224 - Rendition and entry of judgment.
§ 7A-225 - Lien and execution of judgment.
§ 7A-226 - Priority of judgment when appeal taken.
§ 7A-227 - Stay of execution on appeal.
§ 7A-229 - Trial de novo on appeal.
§ 7A-230 - Jury trial on appeal.