Rule 1706.Form of the Answer.

Adopted June 30, 1977 · Last amended December 16, 1983 · Last verified June 30, 2026

In one sentenceIn a class action, the factual averments made under the “Class Action Allegations” heading are deemed admitted unless the answer denies them in the manner the general denial rule requires.

Full Text of Rule 1706

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In all actions the averments of fact under ‘‘Class Action Allegations’’ shall be deemed admitted unless denied in conformity with Rule 1029.

End

Plain-English Summary

This rule applies the ordinary denial standard to the class allegations. The complaint states its class-related facts under a “Class Action Allegations” heading, and those averments are taken as admitted unless the defendant denies them in conformity with the general rule on denials.

A defendant who wants to contest whether the case can proceed as a class action must therefore deny the class averments specifically, not gloss over them. The rule keeps the parties from leaving the threshold class facts vague when certification will turn on them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if a defendant does not deny the class allegations?

They are deemed admitted unless denied in conformity with Rule 1029.

Amendment History

The provisions of this Rule 1706 adopted June 30, 1977, effective September 1, 1977, 7 Pa.B. 1956; amended December 16, 1983, effective July 1, 1984, 13 Pa.B. 3999. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (31826).

Source & verification. Rule text, the Official Note, and the amendment history are reproduced verbatim from the Pennsylvania Code, Title 231, the official compilation of rules adopted by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. Last verified June 30, 2026. · Official text

Also known as: class action answerdeny class allegationsform of answer class