Pleading is a formal process in legal proceedings where a party presents their claims or defenses to a court. This typically involves submitting written documents, known as pleadings, which outline the facts of the case and the legal reasons for the party's position. Common types of pleadings include complaints, answers, and motions. In the context of civil law, pleadings help establish the issues that will be addressed during a trial. They ensure that both parties, such as the plaintiff and defendant, clearly understand each other's arguments, allowing for a fair and organized legal process.