Rule 12(c) motions can help dispose of baseless claims or defenses when the formal pleadings reveal their lack of merit. (a) After the relevant pleadings are closed, but within such time as not to unreasonably delay the trial, any party may move for judgment on the pleadings.Under the rule of lenity,. In this case, a probation officer received a written reprimand for violating York County's (County) search and seizure policy. Only reply briefs on preliminary objections, motions for judgment on the pleadings, and motions for summary judgment are permitted without leave of court.