In some jurisdictions pleadings also include a reply to the answer. The proper common law writ depended upon how technically correct the claim was alleged. Many good claims were dismissed not on their merits but because of procedural hyper-technicalities. Common law pleadings were used and evolved over 675 years between 1200 and 1875. Both changes were designed to correct the shortcomings of the common law system, but both created problems of their own.
Ultimate facts are facts pleaded with the appropriate level of specificity.
This was meant to limit the contours of the case since in code states the amount of discovery is more limited than in Notice pleading states. Jenny Piccolo has made all payments under the agreement but Fonzie refuses to deliver possession of the truck to Piccolo. Although there are still many code pleading states, today the difference between federal and state pleading requirements is practically nonexistent. Additionally, federal courts as well as state courts are requiring complaints to include more factual support in order to overcome a motion to dismiss. Finally, the new disclosure requirements of the FRCP reward more detailed pleadings.