What is the difference between a motion to dismiss and a motion for a more definite statement?

A motion to dismiss and a motion for a more definite statement are both procedural tools used in civil procedure lawsuits in California. Generally, a motion to dismiss is a request that the court dismiss or "throw out" a particular case due to a procedural or technical issue, such as lack of jurisdiction or failure to state a claim. A motion for a more definite statement, on the other hand, is a request that the other party clarify the complaint or other filing, typically because it is too vague to understand or the claims are difficult to analyze. In short, a motion to dismiss is seeking to terminate the case, while a motion for a more definite statement is seeking to clarify the claims in the case. For example, if the complaint is unclear regarding which party the plaintiff is suing, the defendant may file a motion for a more definite statement asking the plaintiff to clarify which party is being sued so the defendant can respond appropriately. Ultimately, the goal of both the motion to dismiss and the motion for a more definite statement is to ensure each party has the information they need to effectively defend their position.

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What is the difference between a motion to dismiss and a motion for a more definite statement?

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