PRETRIAL ADJUDICATION
...Pleading
......Cross-Complaints
.........Compare Affirm Defenses in Answer
2 Cards On This Topic:

Where cross-complaint unnecessary in view of allegations of answer, Clerk has no authority to enter default when P fails to answer.

Affirmative defense merely attacks P's claim and need not conform to requirements of cross-complaint; however, cross-complaint is independent cause of action to obtain affirmative relief or offset.