What is a cross-claim?

A cross-claim is specifically defined as a claim made by one party in a legal action against another party who is also participating in the same action. This typically occurs in cases where there are multiple defendants or plaintiffs involved. By allowing a party to bring a cross-claim, the legal system enables related claims to be resolved within a single lawsuit, which can streamline the litigation process and promote judicial efficiency.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately describe what a cross-claim is. A claim made by the court does not correspond with the nature of a cross-claim since the court does not make claims; it adjudicates them. A statement made by the plaintiff does not capture the essence of a cross-claim, as it does not involve a claim against another party. Similarly, a motion to dismiss is a procedural request to the court to terminate a case and does not relate to the interaction between parties within a lawsuit. Thus, the essence of a cross-claim is correctly defined by the option that highlights the claim made against another party involved in the same case.