Which of the following describes a counterclaim?

A counterclaim is best described as an independent claim made by the defendant against the plaintiff in response to a lawsuit. This means that in addition to defending against the plaintiff's claims, the defendant is asserting their own allegations and seeking relief from the court. The counterclaim effectively shifts the focus, allowing the defendant to not only respond to the original lawsuit but also to seek compensation or resolution for their own grievances that arose from the same issue or transaction involved in the plaintiff's suit.

By presenting a counterclaim, the defendant can consolidate the issues arising from the dispute, promoting judicial efficiency by allowing the court to resolve both the plaintiff's claims and the defendant's claims in one proceeding. This process is fundamental to ensuring fairness in litigation, as it allows both parties to address their respective positions thoroughly.