Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Florida
I am being sued for defamation in civil court by a company after posting my (negative) experience with them in an on-line complaint forum. I filed an answer and affirmative defenses in a pro se capacity. Today I received a Reply to Affirmative Defenses which states the company "hereby denies each and every affirmative defense raised (by me) and demands strict proof in support of each affirmative defense."
My question: Is this an official demand for discovery? Am I required to furnish this "proof" to the company's attorney and the court at this time?
3 Answers from Attorneys
No. This is standard language denying your defenses.
You will need to defend at trial. You do not send opposing counsel anything at this time.
No. It is not a request for discovery. It is just a denial. It is actually not even necessary for them to file such a denial.