Which statement accurately reflects the purpose of a counterclaim?

A counterclaim is a legal tool used by a defendant to address the original claim made against them while simultaneously asserting their own legal rights. This means that, instead of simply defending against the original claim, the defendant can introduce their own claims against the plaintiff, effectively "suing back." This can occur in the same legal proceeding and is often related to the same facts that gave rise to the original claim.

By allowing defendants to initiate their own claims in response to the original complaint, a counterclaim facilitates a more comprehensive resolution of disputes within one legal action. This procedure helps to streamline court processes and can often lead to a more efficient resolution of all the related issues between the parties.

Although a counterclaim does not seek to dismiss the original claim, strengthen it, or introduce new plaintiffs, it is a vital part of the litigation process that encourages defendants to fully address all relevant issues in the dispute.