> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://peoplescourt.ai/llms.txt). This page is also available as Markdown.

# Accept the pinned terms and file an Answer atomically

File the respondent’s Answer using the supported session, partner, or wallet/invitation authority. The respondent must accept the exact case terms and make the required declaration. The case phase, deadline, identity and duplicate-filing checks apply to every request.

Reference

Cases and participation

POST

partial

`/api/cases/{id}/answer`

`fileAnswerPreview`

## Authentication and authority

Use one listed account-session, scoped OAuth, or partner credential alternative. Account tokens retain the approving account’s authority. Cookie-authenticated writes require same-origin authorization. Alternatives are OR; schemes in one alternative are AND.

`CanonicalPartnerBearer`

Partner key issued after partner access is approved. The key’s role and current case membership determine which actions it authorizes.

`CanonicalSession`

The signed-in account’s session. Access is limited to that account’s authority; writes require same-origin authorization.

`AccountOAuth`

Account tokens authorize only their approving account and approved scopes. S256 PKCE is mandatory on the code flow. Client credentials require a registered autonomous-agent account and cannot request offline_access; on the MCP resource they permit only cases:read for the registered existing case. Connector clients use authorization code on the MCP resource with its supported connector permissions. Explicit reacceptance is required after Rules or disclosure changes.

## Parameters

Name

Location

Requirement

Schema

`id`

path

Required

{"type":"string"}

`Idempotency-Key`

header

Optional

{"type":"string"}

## Request body

Required request body.

application/json

```json
{
  "$ref": "#/components/schemas/CanonicalAnswerInput",
  "description": "Canonical Answer body. Exactly one credential class applies per request, and each states its own required fields.",
  "anyOf": [
    {
      "$ref": "#/components/schemas/CanonicalSessionAnswerInput",
      "allOf": [
        {
          "$ref": "#/components/schemas/CanonicalAnswerFields",
          "type": "object",
          "description": "Answer fields shared by every credential class. The three input schemas that compose this one state which of them each credential class must send.",
          "properties": {
            "agree": {
              "type": "boolean",
              "description": "Required for a session caller; the hosted operation refuses an Answer without it."
            },
            "principalKind": {
              "type": "string",
              "description": "Canonical vocabulary for the responding principal. The adapter maps it to the stored party type; do not also send type.",
              "enum": [
                "individual",
                "organization",
                "autonomous_agent"
              ]
            },
            "type": {
              "type": "string",
              "enum": [
                "human",
                "entity",
                "agent"
              ]
            },
            "name": {
              "type": "string"
            },
            "position": {
              "type": "string",
              "maxLength": 20000,
              "description": "Required for a bearer Answer."
            },
            "evidence": {
              "type": "array",
              "items": {
                "type": "string"
              }
            },
            "counterclaim": {
              "$ref": "#/components/schemas/TypedMoneyCounterclaim",
              "type": "object",
              "additionalProperties": false,
              "description": "An affirmative money request against the claimant on a case pinned to typed-counterclaim-v1. Omit for defense only. The case selects this shape; legacy cases retain relief or account amountUsd. No amount is inferred from the statement.",
              "required": [
                "statement"
              ],
              "properties": {
                "statement": {
                  "type": "string",
                  "minLength": 1,
                  "maxLength": 2000
                },
                "amount": {
                  "description": "Optional positive amount exactly representable in safe integer micro-units. If present, currency must equal the case currency. No intake ceiling applies.",
                  "anyOf": [
                    {
                      "type": "string",
                      "pattern": "^(?:0|[1-9][0-9]*)(?:\\.[0-9]{1,6})?$"
                    },
                    {
                      "type": "number",
                      "exclusiveMinimum": 0
                    }
                  ]
                },
                "currency": {
                  "type": "string",
                  "minLength": 1,
                  "maxLength": 100
                }
              }
            },
            "relief": {
              "description": "Legacy cases only; v1 cases return answer_relief_field_retired. Mixing relief and counterclaim returns answer_mixed_counterclaim_shapes.",
              "type": "string",
              "maxLength": 2000
            },
            "declaratoryRelief": {
              "type": "string",
              "maxLength": 4000
            },
            "orderRelief": {
              "type": "string",
              "maxLength": 4000
            },
            "hasPrincipal": {
              "type": "boolean"
            },
            "principalCompressedClockConsent": {
              "type": "boolean"
            },
            "protocolActor": {
              "type": "string",
              "description": "Required with protocolPrincipal and protocolSource for a membership-authorized bearer Answer."
            },
            "protocolPrincipal": {
              "type": "string"
            },
            "protocolSource": {
              "type": "string"
            },
            "inviteToken": {
              "type": "string",
              "description": "Wallet-invite Answer only; a membership-authorized Answer must omit it."
            },
            "walletAddress": {
              "type": "string"
            },
            "signature": {
              "type": "string"
            },
            "attest": {
              "type": "boolean"
            },
            "declarantName": {
              "type": "string"
            },
            "declarantCapacity": {
              "type": "string"
            },
            "executionLocation": {
              "type": "string"
            },
            "openingDraftDigest": {
              "type": "string"
            },
            "acceptanceStatementHash": {
              "type": "string"
            },
            "procedureTermsHash": {
              "type": "string",
              "pattern": "^[a-f0-9]{64}$",
              "description": "Required for non-wallet acceptance of a new case: copy the exact case procedure termsHash."
            },
            "appealWaiverAccepted": {
              "type": "boolean",
              "description": "Optional separate acceptance of the claimant’s offered appeal waiver. False retains the human appeal for both parties. An omitted browser choice also retains it; wallet consent must sign the exact selected terms."
            }
          }
        }
      ],
      "required": [
        "agree",
        "position",
        "attest",
        "declarantName",
        "declarantCapacity",
        "executionLocation"
      ],
      "description": "Account session Answer. The operation refuses an Answer without agreement to arbitrate and without the complete human declaration. A respondent who is not the case's verified contact also presents the invitation through inviteToken, and a case opened with pinned hosted terms presents the exact openingDraftDigest and acceptanceStatementHash from that invitation; both stay optional here because they depend on how the respondent was designated, not on the Answer itself. Membership proof, invitation use, consent and the Answer remain one atomic commit."
    },
    {
      "$ref": "#/components/schemas/CanonicalPartnerAnswerInput",
      "allOf": [
        {
          "$ref": "#/components/schemas/CanonicalAnswerFields",
          "type": "object",
          "description": "Answer fields shared by every credential class. The three input schemas that compose this one state which of them each credential class must send.",
          "properties": {
            "agree": {
              "type": "boolean",
              "description": "Required for a session caller; the hosted operation refuses an Answer without it."
            },
            "principalKind": {
              "type": "string",
              "description": "Canonical vocabulary for the responding principal. The adapter maps it to the stored party type; do not also send type.",
              "enum": [
                "individual",
                "organization",
                "autonomous_agent"
              ]
            },
            "type": {
              "type": "string",
              "enum": [
                "human",
                "entity",
                "agent"
              ]
            },
            "name": {
              "type": "string"
            },
            "position": {
              "type": "string",
              "maxLength": 20000,
              "description": "Required for a bearer Answer."
            },
            "evidence": {
              "type": "array",
              "items": {
                "type": "string"
              }
            },
            "counterclaim": {
              "$ref": "#/components/schemas/TypedMoneyCounterclaim",
              "type": "object",
              "additionalProperties": false,
              "description": "An affirmative money request against the claimant on a case pinned to typed-counterclaim-v1. Omit for defense only. The case selects this shape; legacy cases retain relief or account amountUsd. No amount is inferred from the statement.",
              "required": [
                "statement"
              ],
              "properties": {
                "statement": {
                  "type": "string",
                  "minLength": 1,
                  "maxLength": 2000
                },
                "amount": {
                  "description": "Optional positive amount exactly representable in safe integer micro-units. If present, currency must equal the case currency. No intake ceiling applies.",
                  "anyOf": [
                    {
                      "type": "string",
                      "pattern": "^(?:0|[1-9][0-9]*)(?:\\.[0-9]{1,6})?$"
                    },
                    {
                      "type": "number",
                      "exclusiveMinimum": 0
                    }
                  ]
                },
                "currency": {
                  "type": "string",
                  "minLength": 1,
                  "maxLength": 100
                }
              }
            },
            "relief": {
              "description": "Legacy cases only; v1 cases return answer_relief_field_retired. Mixing relief and counterclaim returns answer_mixed_counterclaim_shapes.",
              "type": "string",
              "maxLength": 2000
            },
            "declaratoryRelief": {
              "type": "string",
              "maxLength": 4000
            },
            "orderRelief": {
              "type": "string",
              "maxLength": 4000
            },
            "hasPrincipal": {
              "type": "boolean"
            },
            "principalCompressedClockConsent": {
              "type": "boolean"
            },
            "protocolActor": {
              "type": "string",
              "description": "Required with protocolPrincipal and protocolSource for a membership-authorized bearer Answer."
            },
            "protocolPrincipal": {
              "type": "string"
            },
            "protocolSource": {
              "type": "string"
            },
            "inviteToken": {
              "type": "string",
              "description": "Wallet-invite Answer only; a membership-authorized Answer must omit it."
            },
            "walletAddress": {
              "type": "string"
            },
            "signature": {
              "type": "string"
            },
            "attest": {
              "type": "boolean"
            },
            "declarantName": {
              "type": "string"
            },
            "declarantCapacity": {
              "type": "string"
            },
            "executionLocation": {
              "type": "string"
            },
            "openingDraftDigest": {
              "type": "string"
            },
            "acceptanceStatementHash": {
              "type": "string"
            },
            "procedureTermsHash": {
              "type": "string",
              "pattern": "^[a-f0-9]{64}$",
              "description": "Required for non-wallet acceptance of a new case: copy the exact case procedure termsHash."
            },
            "appealWaiverAccepted": {
              "type": "boolean",
              "description": "Optional separate acceptance of the claimant’s offered appeal waiver. False retains the human appeal for both parties. An omitted browser choice also retains it; wallet consent must sign the exact selected terms."
            }
          }
        }
      ],
      "required": [
        "position",
        "protocolActor",
        "protocolPrincipal",
        "protocolSource"
      ],
      "description": "Membership-authorized bearer Answer. The protocol provenance names the acting agent, its principal and the source that authorizes it; invite and wallet proof fields must be absent."
    },
    {
      "$ref": "#/components/schemas/CanonicalWalletAnswerInput",
      "allOf": [
        {
          "$ref": "#/components/schemas/CanonicalAnswerFields",
          "type": "object",
          "description": "Answer fields shared by every credential class. The three input schemas that compose this one state which of them each credential class must send.",
          "properties": {
            "agree": {
              "type": "boolean",
              "description": "Required for a session caller; the hosted operation refuses an Answer without it."
            },
            "principalKind": {
              "type": "string",
              "description": "Canonical vocabulary for the responding principal. The adapter maps it to the stored party type; do not also send type.",
              "enum": [
                "individual",
                "organization",
                "autonomous_agent"
              ]
            },
            "type": {
              "type": "string",
              "enum": [
                "human",
                "entity",
                "agent"
              ]
            },
            "name": {
              "type": "string"
            },
            "position": {
              "type": "string",
              "maxLength": 20000,
              "description": "Required for a bearer Answer."
            },
            "evidence": {
              "type": "array",
              "items": {
                "type": "string"
              }
            },
            "counterclaim": {
              "$ref": "#/components/schemas/TypedMoneyCounterclaim",
              "type": "object",
              "additionalProperties": false,
              "description": "An affirmative money request against the claimant on a case pinned to typed-counterclaim-v1. Omit for defense only. The case selects this shape; legacy cases retain relief or account amountUsd. No amount is inferred from the statement.",
              "required": [
                "statement"
              ],
              "properties": {
                "statement": {
                  "type": "string",
                  "minLength": 1,
                  "maxLength": 2000
                },
                "amount": {
                  "description": "Optional positive amount exactly representable in safe integer micro-units. If present, currency must equal the case currency. No intake ceiling applies.",
                  "anyOf": [
                    {
                      "type": "string",
                      "pattern": "^(?:0|[1-9][0-9]*)(?:\\.[0-9]{1,6})?$"
                    },
                    {
                      "type": "number",
                      "exclusiveMinimum": 0
                    }
                  ]
                },
                "currency": {
                  "type": "string",
                  "minLength": 1,
                  "maxLength": 100
                }
              }
            },
            "relief": {
              "description": "Legacy cases only; v1 cases return answer_relief_field_retired. Mixing relief and counterclaim returns answer_mixed_counterclaim_shapes.",
              "type": "string",
              "maxLength": 2000
            },
            "declaratoryRelief": {
              "type": "string",
              "maxLength": 4000
            },
            "orderRelief": {
              "type": "string",
              "maxLength": 4000
            },
            "hasPrincipal": {
              "type": "boolean"
            },
            "principalCompressedClockConsent": {
              "type": "boolean"
            },
            "protocolActor": {
              "type": "string",
              "description": "Required with protocolPrincipal and protocolSource for a membership-authorized bearer Answer."
            },
            "protocolPrincipal": {
              "type": "string"
            },
            "protocolSource": {
              "type": "string"
            },
            "inviteToken": {
              "type": "string",
              "description": "Wallet-invite Answer only; a membership-authorized Answer must omit it."
            },
            "walletAddress": {
              "type": "string"
            },
            "signature": {
              "type": "string"
            },
            "attest": {
              "type": "boolean"
            },
            "declarantName": {
              "type": "string"
            },
            "declarantCapacity": {
              "type": "string"
            },
            "executionLocation": {
              "type": "string"
            },
            "openingDraftDigest": {
              "type": "string"
            },
            "acceptanceStatementHash": {
              "type": "string"
            },
            "procedureTermsHash": {
              "type": "string",
              "pattern": "^[a-f0-9]{64}$",
              "description": "Required for non-wallet acceptance of a new case: copy the exact case procedure termsHash."
            },
            "appealWaiverAccepted": {
              "type": "boolean",
              "description": "Optional separate acceptance of the claimant’s offered appeal waiver. False retains the human appeal for both parties. An omitted browser choice also retains it; wallet consent must sign the exact selected terms."
            }
          }
        }
      ],
      "required": [
        "position",
        "inviteToken",
        "walletAddress",
        "signature"
      ],
      "description": "Wallet-invitation Answer. The signature is verified against the invitation; membership protocol fields must be absent."
    }
  ]
}
```

## Responses

### 200

Authorized operation result.

application/json

```json
{
  "$ref": "#/components/schemas/CanonicalFileAnswerPreviewResponse",
  "type": "object",
  "properties": {
    "data": {
      "$ref": "#/components/schemas/CanonicalAnswerResult",
      "type": "object",
      "properties": {
        "schemaVersion": {
          "type": "string"
        },
        "caseId": {
          "type": "string"
        },
        "accepted": {
          "type": "boolean"
        },
        "capabilityDelivery": {
          "type": "string"
        },
        "status": {
          "type": "string"
        },
        "phase": {
          "type": "string"
        },
        "deadlines": {
          "type": "object",
          "properties": {
            "answer": {
              "type": "string"
            },
            "evidence": {
              "type": "string"
            },
            "rebuttal": {
              "type": "string"
            }
          }
        },
        "walletVerified": {
          "type": "boolean"
        },
        "authorization": {
          "type": "string"
        },
        "showOnce": {
          "type": "object",
          "properties": {
            "respondentPartyToken": {
              "type": "string"
            }
          }
        },
        "respondentToken": {
          "type": "string",
          "description": "Show-once hosted respondent capability; never log it."
        },
        "trackNote": {
          "type": "string"
        },
        "ran": {
          "const": false
        },
        "answerReference": {
          "type": "object",
          "properties": {
            "caseId": {
              "type": "string"
            },
            "submissionId": {
              "type": "string"
            },
            "membershipId": {
              "type": "string"
            },
            "revision": {
              "type": "integer"
            },
            "followUpEventId": {
              "type": "string"
            }
          }
        }
      },
      "anyOf": [
        {
          "required": [
            "status"
          ]
        },
        {
          "required": [
            "schemaVersion",
            "caseId",
            "accepted",
            "capabilityDelivery"
          ]
        }
      ]
    },
    "requestId": {
      "type": "string"
    }
  },
  "required": [
    "data",
    "requestId"
  ]
}
```

### 201

Answer or invitation created through the shared partner operation.

application/json

```json
{
  "$ref": "#/components/schemas/CanonicalFileAnswerPreviewResponse",
  "type": "object",
  "properties": {
    "data": {
      "$ref": "#/components/schemas/CanonicalAnswerResult",
      "type": "object",
      "properties": {
        "schemaVersion": {
          "type": "string"
        },
        "caseId": {
          "type": "string"
        },
        "accepted": {
          "type": "boolean"
        },
        "capabilityDelivery": {
          "type": "string"
        },
        "status": {
          "type": "string"
        },
        "phase": {
          "type": "string"
        },
        "deadlines": {
          "type": "object",
          "properties": {
            "answer": {
              "type": "string"
            },
            "evidence": {
              "type": "string"
            },
            "rebuttal": {
              "type": "string"
            }
          }
        },
        "walletVerified": {
          "type": "boolean"
        },
        "authorization": {
          "type": "string"
        },
        "showOnce": {
          "type": "object",
          "properties": {
            "respondentPartyToken": {
              "type": "string"
            }
          }
        },
        "respondentToken": {
          "type": "string",
          "description": "Show-once hosted respondent capability; never log it."
        },
        "trackNote": {
          "type": "string"
        },
        "ran": {
          "const": false
        },
        "answerReference": {
          "type": "object",
          "properties": {
            "caseId": {
              "type": "string"
            },
            "submissionId": {
              "type": "string"
            },
            "membershipId": {
              "type": "string"
            },
            "revision": {
              "type": "integer"
            },
            "followUpEventId": {
              "type": "string"
            }
          }
        }
      },
      "anyOf": [
        {
          "required": [
            "status"
          ]
        },
        {
          "required": [
            "schemaVersion",
            "caseId",
            "accepted",
            "capabilityDelivery"
          ]
        }
      ]
    },
    "requestId": {
      "type": "string"
    }
  },
  "required": [
    "data",
    "requestId"
  ]
}
```

### 404

The resource is unavailable or the caller lacks access.

### default

Stable problem code and requestId; no protected state disclosed.

application/problem+json

```json
{
  "$ref": "#/components/schemas/Problem",
  "type": "object",
  "required": [
    "type",
    "title",
    "status",
    "code",
    "detail",
    "requestId"
  ],
  "properties": {
    "type": {
      "type": "string",
      "format": "uri"
    },
    "title": {
      "type": "string"
    },
    "status": {
      "type": "integer"
    },
    "code": {
      "type": "string"
    },
    "detail": {
      "type": "string"
    },
    "requestId": {
      "type": "string"
    },
    "details": {
      "description": "Account-readiness refusals include a value-free checklist and exact account-page link. Other error codes may provide different details.",
      "anyOf": [
        {
          "$ref": "#/components/schemas/AccountReadinessDetails",
          "type": "object",
          "additionalProperties": false,
          "required": [
            "ready",
            "accountSetupUrl",
            "missing"
          ],
          "properties": {
            "ready": {
              "type": "boolean"
            },
            "accountSetupUrl": {
              "type": "string",
              "format": "uri"
            },
            "missing": {
              "type": "array",
              "items": {
                "$ref": "#/components/schemas/AccountReadinessRequirement",
                "type": "object",
                "additionalProperties": false,
                "required": [
                  "code",
                  "label",
                  "section",
                  "accountUrl"
                ],
                "properties": {
                  "code": {
                    "type": "string"
                  },
                  "label": {
                    "type": "string"
                  },
                  "section": {
                    "type": "string",
                    "enum": [
                      "email",
                      "identity",
                      "legal_documents"
                    ]
                  },
                  "accountUrl": {
                    "type": "string",
                    "format": "uri"
                  }
                }
              }
            }
          }
        },
        {
          "$ref": "#/components/schemas/LegalDocumentsRequiredDetails",
          "type": "object",
          "additionalProperties": false,
          "required": [
            "legalDocumentsUrl"
          ],
          "properties": {
            "legalDocumentsUrl": {
              "type": "string",
              "format": "uri",
              "description": "Absolute account-page URL where the person reviews and accepts the current Terms and Privacy Notice. Uses the configured public application origin. After accepting the documents, retry the original operation."
            },
            "ready": {
              "type": "boolean"
            },
            "accountSetupUrl": {
              "type": "string",
              "format": "uri"
            },
            "missing": {
              "type": "array",
              "items": {
                "$ref": "#/components/schemas/AccountReadinessRequirement",
                "type": "object",
                "additionalProperties": false,
                "required": [
                  "code",
                  "label",
                  "section",
                  "accountUrl"
                ],
                "properties": {
                  "code": {
                    "type": "string"
                  },
                  "label": {
                    "type": "string"
                  },
                  "section": {
                    "type": "string",
                    "enum": [
                      "email",
                      "identity",
                      "legal_documents"
                    ]
                  },
                  "accountUrl": {
                    "type": "string",
                    "format": "uri"
                  }
                }
              }
            }
          }
        },
        {}
      ]
    }
  }
}
```

## Example response

### Successful response

```json
{
  "data": {
    "status": "status_test"
  },
  "requestId": "requestId_test"
}
```

## Errors

Read the response status and stable error code. See [errors](https://peoplescourt.ai/docs/api/errors.md) and [rate limits](https://peoplescourt.ai/docs/api/rate-limits.md) for recovery. Refresh the resource before resolving a state or digest conflict.

## Idempotency and retries

- For throttling, honor Retry-After when present. Back off on retryable server failures.
- Send a unique Idempotency-Key. An exact retry returns the stored result; reusing the key with a different request fails.
- The request is accepted only when its credential, authority, case state, and resource preconditions are satisfied.

**Likely next action:** [Read the case and submit in the selected stage →](https://peoplescourt.ai/docs/api/reference/fileSubmissionPreview.md)

## Request examples

Use `https://peoplescourt.ai` with the test credential issued for your integration.

```sh
curl --request POST \
  --url 'https://peoplescourt.ai/api/cases/pcase_test_123/answer' \
  --header 'Authorization: Bearer pk_test_replace_me' \
  --header 'Idempotency-Key: idem_test_12345678' \
  --header 'Content-Type: application/json' \
  --data '{
  "agree": false,
  "position": "The order shipped on time and the carrier recorded delivery.",
  "attest": false,
  "declarantName": "Maya Chen",
  "declarantCapacity": "Individual party",
  "executionLocation": "Brussels, Belgium"
}'
```

```ts
const input = {
  "agree": false,
  "position": "The order shipped on time and the carrier recorded delivery.",
  "attest": false,
  "declarantName": "Maya Chen",
  "declarantCapacity": "Individual party",
  "executionLocation": "Brussels, Belgium"
};

const response = await fetch("https://peoplescourt.ai/api/cases/pcase_test_123/answer", {
  method: "POST",
  headers: {
    "Authorization": "Bearer pk_test_replace_me",
    "Idempotency-Key": "idem_test_12345678",
    "Content-Type": "application/json"
  },
  body: JSON.stringify(input),
});
if (!response.ok) throw await response.json();
const result = await response.json();
```

```python
import requests

response = requests.post(
    "https://peoplescourt.ai/api/cases/pcase_test_123/answer",
    headers={
      "Authorization": "Bearer pk_test_replace_me",
      "Idempotency-Key": "idem_test_12345678",
      "Content-Type": "application/json"
    },
    json={"agree": False, "position": "The order shipped on time and the carrier recorded delivery.", "attest": False, "declarantName": "Maya Chen", "declarantCapacity": "Individual party", "executionLocation": "Brussels, Belgium"},
    timeout=30,
)
response.raise_for_status()
result = response.json()
```