A plea denying the facts is the last resort.

Explanation

Before resorting to a flat denial, a defendant should exhaust every other defense — demurrer, confession and avoidance, justification — because a denial puts the entire matter at issue.

Where this applies

• The defendant hasn't raised any other defense — their only option is to deny the facts.
• Denying the facts should be the last resort after all other defenses are exhausted.

See also

• 8.6.4 The condition of the possessor is better, and that of the defendant better than the plaintiff's.
• 8.7.2 He who does not deny, admits.