Pleadings are formal written documents submitted to a court in a legal case. They outline the parties' positions, claims, and defenses. Common types of pleadings include the complaint, which initiates a lawsuit, and the answer, which responds to the complaint. These documents help the court understand the issues at stake. In addition to complaints and answers, there are other pleadings like counterclaims and motions. Counterclaims allow a defendant to assert their own claims against the plaintiff, while motions request the court to make a specific ruling. Overall, pleadings are essential for organizing and presenting a case in court.