{"code":"CCP","codeName":"Code of Civil Procedure","section":"431.20","citation":"Code Civ. Proc., § 431.20","status":"in-force","lawOn":"2026-09-28","headings":[{"name":"PART 2. OF CIVIL ACTIONS [307. - 1062.34.]","url":"https://blackletter.si/code-of-civil-procedure/part-2"},{"name":"TITLE 6. OF THE PLEADINGS IN CIVIL ACTIONS [420. - 475.]","url":"https://blackletter.si/code-of-civil-procedure/part-2/title-6"},{"name":"CHAPTER 3. Objections to Pleadings; Denials and Defenses [430.10. - 432.10.]","url":"https://blackletter.si/code-of-civil-procedure/part-2/title-6/chapter-3"},{"name":"ARTICLE 2. Denials and Defenses [431.10. - 431.70.]","url":"https://blackletter.si/code-of-civil-procedure/part-2/title-6/chapter-3/article-2"}],"history":"Added by Stats. 1971, Ch. 244.","effective":null,"html":"<p>(a) Every material allegation of the complaint or cross-complaint, not controverted by the answer, shall, for the purposes of the action, be taken as true.</p><p>(b) The statement of any new matter in the answer, in avoidance or constituting a defense, shall, on the trial, be deemed controverted by the opposite party. </p>","text":"(a) Every material allegation of the complaint or cross-complaint, not controverted by the answer, shall, for the purposes of the action, be taken as true. (b) The statement of any new matter in the answer, in avoidance or constituting a defense, shall, on the trial, be deemed controverted by the opposite party.","otherVersions":[],"url":"https://blackletter.si/code-of-civil-procedure/denials-and-defenses-431-20","source":"California Legislative Information bulk export (pubinfo)"}