Rule 3 of the FRCP concerns what?

• A. A civil action is commenced by filing a motion
• B. A civil action is commenced by filing a complaint with the court
• C. A civil action is commenced by service of process
• D. A civil action is commenced by issuing a subpoena

Answer: (B)

Rule 3 governs when a civil action begins. It is commenced at the moment the plaintiff files a complaint with the court. That filing starts the case, gives the court jurisdiction, and starts the timeline for deadlines. Service of process is a separate step used to notify and bring the defendant under the court’s authority after the action has begun; it does not itself commence the action. Filing a motion or issuing a subpoena do not start a lawsuit.