What must a party do before they can plead a denial?

A party must make reasonable inquiries before they can plead a denial because this obligation ensures that the denial is made in good faith. This requirement reflects the need to ensure that the party is not merely denying claims frivolously or without any reasonable basis for doing so.

In the context of the legal process, making reasonable inquiries involves taking the necessary steps to ascertain whether there is a factual basis for denying the allegations put forth by the opposing party. This could involve reviewing available evidence, consulting relevant documents, or conducting discussions with individuals who might have pertinent knowledge about the matter. By fulfilling this obligation, a party demonstrates due diligence and integrity in their dealings in court.

On the other hand, while consulting an attorney, gathering additional evidence, or filing a motion for discovery may be steps involved in the overall litigation process, these actions do not specifically address the requirement to have a factual basis for denying claims. Therefore, the primary and most directly relevant step before pleading a denial is making reasonable inquiries into the facts at hand.