Which of the following is incompatible with a crossclaim?

A crossclaim is a type of claim that one party makes against another party in the same proceeding. It typically exists when a defendant has a claim against another defendant in the action. Understanding the nature of a crossclaim helps clarify why certain types of claims are considered incompatible with it.

When a defendant makes a claim against the plaintiff, it does not qualify as a crossclaim. A crossclaim specifically must be against another party on the same side of the litigation (i.e., between defendants) rather than against the opposing party (the plaintiff). In this context, if a defendant seeks relief or asserts a claim against the plaintiff, it would instead be categorized as a separate claim or a defence, rather than a crossclaim.

This understanding also clarifies why the other options are compatible with a crossclaim. A claim against another defendant is the very essence of what a crossclaim is and fits within the procedural framework of a counter-response among defendants. Similarly, a claim against a third party could be a third-party claim rather than a crossclaim; these are separate procedural mechanisms but still related within the larger civil litigation framework. A claim made after the statement of defence may or may not be timely or permissible based on the rules of the court or relevant statutes,