1.5 CLAIMS AND DEFENSES

To help you follow the evidence, I will give you a brief summary of the positions of the parties:

The plaintiff asserts that [plaintiff's claims]. The plaintiff has the burden of proving these claims.

The defendant denies those claims [and also contends that [defendant's counterclaims and/or affirmative defenses]]. [The defendant has the burden of proof on these [counterclaims and/or affirmative defenses.]]

[The plaintiff denies [defendant's counterclaims and/or affirmative defenses].]