What is a 'cross-claim' in civil litigation?

A 'cross-claim' refers specifically to a situation in civil litigation where a defendant asserts a claim against either the plaintiff or a co-defendant. This allows the defendant to bring forth issues related to the original claim, which often arises from the same transaction or occurrence that prompted the initial lawsuit. By allowing cross-claims, the court can efficiently handle all related disputes in one proceeding rather than requiring separate lawsuits. This not only conserves judicial resources but also promotes fairness by allowing all relevant issues to be considered together.

The other options present different concepts. For instance, a claim made by a plaintiff against a third party is more accurately identified as a third-party claim or joinder. A legal motion filed to challenge existing claims typically refers to a motion to dismiss or other procedural challenges, rather than a cross-claim. Lastly, a request for dismissal of the case falls under procedural motions but does not involve asserting a claim against another party in the litigation, distinguishing it clearly from what constitutes a cross-claim.