Rule 4:8-2.Third party brought in by plaintiff

Last amended September 1, 1994 · Current through June 18, 2026 · Last verified July 7, 2026

In one sentenceRule 4:8-2 lets a plaintiff who is facing a counterclaim bring in a third party under the same circumstances and procedure that Rule 4:8-1 gives a defendant.

Full Text of Rule 4:8-2

Text size

A plaintiff against whom a counterclaim is asserted may cause a third party to be brought in under circumstances which under R. 4:8-1 would entitle a defendant to do so and in the manner prescribed by R. 4:8-1.

Amendment History

New Jersey publishes each rule’s amendment record in a “History” note beneath the rule. It is reproduced verbatim below; the “R.R.” citations refer to the former Revised Rules numbering the current rules replaced.

Source-R.R. 4:14-2; amended July 13, 1994 to be effective September 1, 1994.

Plain-English Summary

Third-party practice is not limited to defendants. When a plaintiff is on the receiving end of a counterclaim, the plaintiff stands in a defending posture and may need to implead someone else.

This rule gives the plaintiff that ability. A plaintiff against whom a counterclaim is asserted may bring in a third party under the same circumstances, and by the same procedure, that Rule 4:8-1 provides for a defendant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a plaintiff bring in a third party?

Yes, when the plaintiff is facing a counterclaim. The plaintiff may implead a third party under the same circumstances and procedure that Rule 4:8-1 gives a defendant.

Source & verification. The rule text and amendment history are reproduced verbatim from the official New Jersey Rules of Court (N.J. Ct. R. 4:8-2). Prescribed by the Supreme Court of New Jersey (N.J. Const. art. VI, § 2, ¶ 3). The plain-English summary is original and written by us. Last verified July 7, 2026. · Official source

Also known as: third party by plaintiffplaintiff impleadercounterclaim third party