What is the purpose of a 'defence' in civil proceedings?

The purpose of a 'defence' in civil proceedings is to respond to the allegations made in the statement of claim. When a plaintiff files a statement of claim, they set out the facts and legal basis for their complaint. The defendant's defence comes into play as a formal response that addresses those allegations. This is the defendant’s opportunity to refute the claims made, present their side of the story, and detail any legal arguments or factual assertions that counter the plaintiff's position.

In civil procedure, effectively presenting a defence is crucial, as it shapes the issues to be determined by the court. It can also lay the groundwork for any subsequent legal arguments, including potential counterclaims, though initiating a counterclaim is a separate action rather than the primary purpose of a defence. Therefore, the defence is fundamental in ensuring the court understands the defendant's stance regarding the plaintiff's claims, making option C the appropriate choice.