conclusions or pleadings

In proceedings in court, lawyers defend their clients’ interests, orally and/or in writing. The oral defence is called “pleading”. Often, lawyers use a written defence, called “conclusions”. Lawyers draw up conclusions and send them to the other party and the court. The other party then replies to those conclusions, again, in writing.

The extent to which (oral) pleas are used varies, depending on the court and the nature of the proceedings.