Under Rule 7, which pleadings are categorized as 'pleadings with complaints'?

• A. A complaint
• B. An answer to a complaint
• C. A crossclaim
• D. A reply to an answer

Answer: (A)

Under Rule 7, pleadings that include the initial allegations that start the case are those that contain a complaint. The complaint is the document the plaintiff files to set out the claims, facts, and relief sought, and it begins the action. The other options—an answer to the complaint, a crossclaim, and a reply to an answer—are pleadings that come after the complaint and respond to or add to it; they do not themselves contain the original complaint. Therefore, the pleading that is categorized as a pleading with the complaint is the complaint.