Section 12.08.020 - What constitute pleadingsThe pleadings in the justice's court shall be:
(1) The complaint of the plaintiff, which shall state in a plain and direct manner the facts constituting the cause of action.(2) The answer of the defendant, which may contain a denial of the complaint, or any part thereof; and also a statement, in a plain and direct manner, of any facts constituting a defense.(3) When the answer sets up a setoff, by way of defense, the reply of the plaintiff.Code 1881 § 1757; 1873 p 344 § 56; 1854 p 231 § 44; RRS § 1779.