What is a characteristic of a frivolous pleading?

A frivolous pleading typically lacks serious purpose or legitimate legal grounds and may be designed to mislead, confuse, or annoy the opposing party. By definition, such pleadings do not contribute anything of value to the legal process and can be seen as an abuse of the legal system. While the other options suggest positive attributes of legal pleadings—like promoting fair trials, having a legitimate basis, or providing substantial evidence—the defining characteristic of a frivolous pleading is its potential intent to confuse the opposition. This highlights the negative impact it has on the judicial process, as it diverts attention away from relevant legal issues and can lead to unnecessary delays and complications in a case.