Under the "American Rule," each party is generally required to pay its own costs and attorneys' fees, regardless of who wins the case. There are exceptions to this general rule, however, such as when the parties have contractually agreed that costs and fees are recoverable. Additionally, state or federal statutes may provide for an award of costs or fees depending on the type of claims raised. In some jurisdictions, attorneys' fees may also be available when a party has been compelled to defend against claims that the court determines were frivolous.