735 ILCS 5/2-602

(735 ILCS 5/2-602) (from Ch. 110, par. 2-602)

Sec. 2-602. Designation and order of pleadings. The first pleading by the plaintiff shall be designated a complaint. The first pleading by the defendant shall be designated an answer. If new matter by way of defense is pleaded in the answer, a reply shall be filed by the plaintiff, but the filing of a reply is not an admission of the legal sufficiency of the new matter. Further pleadings may be permitted as required by the court.

(Source: P.A. 82-280.)