Attacking the Pleadings

• Author: Jennifer Duncan-Brice
• Pages: 631-682

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Chapter 15

ATTACKING THE PLEADINGS

QUICK VIEW

Definitions: Pleadings may be challenged by several devices before the case progresses to the merits. A defective

pleading may be challenged by means of a motion to strike or to dismiss under 735 ILCS 5/2-615. Or, a party

challenging a pleading may demand a bill of particulars. Motions to dismiss a pleading for enumerated bases that

may or may not appear on the face of the pleading may be filed under 735 ILCS 5/2-619.

Scope:

• Rules and techniques applicable to using the various motions to challenge the complaint and other

pleadings.

• Grounds for the various devices.

• Procedural requirements.

• Each device compared with similar motions and pleas.

• Tactical considerations.

Strategies and Tactics:

• Review the complaint carefully to determine the appropriate devices to attack it.

• Decide whether to raise challenges in the answer or a motion.

• Prepare to have your motion heard before trial.

• Check local rules and the judge’s individual requirements for your motion.

• Prepare for hearing.

Statutes and Rules: 735 ILCS 5/2-615; 2-619; 2-619.1; 2-621—2-623; 2-1005. 750 ILCS 36/101 et seq. SCR 137.

Related Topics: Summary Judgment, Ch 30; Motion Practice, Ch 14; Pleadings, Ch 13.

Forms: See digital access for the following forms:

• Form 15:10, Motion to Dismiss for Failure to State Claim.

• Form 15:20, Motion to Strike.

• Form 15:30, Motion to Dismiss Punitive Damages Claim.

• Form 15:40, Demand for Bill of Particulars.

• Form 15:50, Response to Demand for Particulars.

• Form 15:60, Motion to Dismiss: Claim Released.

• Form 15:70, Motion to Dismiss: Statute of Frauds.

• Form 15:80, Motion to Dismiss: Immune.

• Form 15:90, Motion to Dismiss Pursuant to 2-619.1

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. Challenging Defective Pleadings (735 ILCS 5/2-615)

A. Nature and Purpose

§15:01 Motion Attacks Defects in Pleadings

§15:02 Relief Available

B. Legal Requirements

§15:10 Bases for Motion

§15:11 Motion Must Be Designated as Such

§15:12 Only Defects Apparent on Face of Pleading

§15:13 No Affidavits

§15:14 Cannot Raise Affirmative Defenses

§15:15 Judicial Notice of Prior Opinion and Judicial Admissions

§15:16 Specificity Required

§15:17 Pleading Liberally Construed

§15:18 Standard

§15:19 Opportunity to Replead

§15:20 Standing on the Pleadings

§15:21 Adjudication on the Merits

§15:22 Appellate Review

C. Procedure

§15:30 Filing and Serving a 2-615 Motion

§15:31 Time to File

§15:32 Defect Waived if Not Challenged

§15:33 Withdraw Answer and File Motion

§15:34 Combining Motions

§15:35 Court’s Own Motion

§15:36 Briefing Schedule

§15:37 No Evidentiary Hearing

§15:38 Request for Relief

§15:39 Interplay Between Motion to Dismiss and Voluntary Non-Suit

D. Motions to Dismiss and to Strike

1. FAILURE TO STATE A CAUSE OF ACTION

§15:50 Motion to Dismiss Under 2-615

§15:51 Motion to Strike

§15:52 Allegations of Pleading Taken as True

§15:53 Substantially Insufficient in Law

§15:54 Facts, Not Conclusions

§15:55 Should Discovery Be Permitted Before Dismissal?

§15:56 Examples of Failure to Allege a Cause of Action

§15:57 Waiver of Defect

§15:58 Withdrawal of Answer to Challenge Complaint

§15:59 Court May Dismiss Without Leave to Replead

§15:60 Court May Permit Amendment

§15:61 2-615 Motion Decided First

§15:62 No Affidavits

2. FAILURE TO PLEAD AN ESSENTIAL ELEMENT

§15:70 Claim Subject to Dismissal

§15:71 Examples: Essential Element Missing

§15:72 Separate Counts and Defenses

§15:73 Common Law Fraud

3. NONJOINDER OF A NECESSARY PARTY

§15:80 In General

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§15:81 Party Made Necessary by Statute

§15:82 New or Amended Statute

4. IMPROPER RELIEF

§15:90 In General

§15:91 Punitive Damages

E. Other Pleading Defects

§15:100 Types of Motions That May Be Used

§15:101 Immaterial Matters

§15:102 Conclusory Allegations

§15:103 Conclusions of Law

§15:104 Allegations Inconsistent With Exhibits

§15:105 Attachments to 2-615 Motion

§15:106 Plain and Concise Statements

§15:107 Separate Counts

§15:108 Complaint Based on Written Instrument

§15:109 Commingling Counts or Defenses

§15:110 More Definite Statement

§15:111 Statutes Without Extraterritorial Effect

F. Judgment on the Pleadings

§15:120 May Be Sought in 2-615 Motion

§15:121 Compared to Summary Judgment

§15:122 Time to File

§15:123 Any Party May File Motion

§15:124 Evaluating Facts

§15:125 Appellate Review

II. Demanding a Bill of Particulars

§15:130 In General

§15:131 Time to File

§15:132 Failure to Answer Bill or Insufficient Answer

§15:133 Responsibility to Bring Failure to Respond to Court’s Attention

§15:134 Improper Demand for Bill

§15:135 Bill May Seek More Than Ultimate Facts

§15:136 Bill Limits Proofs

III. Moving to Dismiss for Specified Defects and Defenses (735 ILCS 5/2-619)

A. Legal Requirements

§15:150 Nature and Purpose

§15:151 Compared With Summary Judgment

§15:152 Specific Grounds Delineated in Statute

§15:153 Hybrid Motions Barred; Combined Motions Permitted

§15:154 Time to File

§15:155 Discovery

§15:156 Raising Affirmative Matter in Answer

§15:157 Well-Pleaded Facts

§15:158 Conclusions of Law

§15:159 Affidavits

§15:160 Matters Raised in Motion Not Waived

§15:161 Counteraffidavits

§15:162 Statutory Construction

§15:163 Judicial Admission

B. Specific Grounds for 2-619 Motion

1. LACK OF SUBJECT MATTER JURISDICTION

§15:170 Legal Requirements