Rule 3 applies at what point?

• A. At the outset of the lawsuit
• B. Before service of process
• C. After discovery
• D. During the trial

Answer: (A)

Rule 3 is about when a civil action begins. It starts at the moment the plaintiff files a complaint with the court. That filing initiates the action, gives the court jurisdiction to hear it, and starts the procedural timeline. Service of process happens to bring the defendant within the court’s jurisdiction, but it does not start the action—that happens with the filing. Discovery, motions, and trial all occur after the action has been commenced. So the correct point is at the outset, when the complaint is filed.