Rule 11 applies to which parts of a pleading?

• A. Every statement of fact
• B. The claims, defenses, and other legal contentions
• C. Only the introductory clauses
• D. Only the relief sought

Answer: (B)

Rule 11 focuses on what a pleading is asserting as legal and factual positions. When someone signs a pleading, they certify that the claims being asserted, the defenses being raised, and other legal contentions have a basis in existing law or are supported by a nonfrivolous argument for changing the law, and that the factual contentions underlying those claims and defenses have evidentiary support or will likely have it after discovery. In short, the rule is about the substantive legal contentions and the factual support behind them, not merely introductory background language or the prayer for relief. That’s why the best answer identifies the claims, defenses, and other legal contentions as the parts covered by Rule 11.