Under the Court-initiated process in Rule 11(c)(3), which statement is true?

• A. The show cause order is issued only by consent of all parties.
• B. The show cause order does not describe conduct; it only demands a hearing.
• C. The show cause order must describe the conduct that the Court thinks violates Rule 11 but cannot be issued against a party.
• D. The show cause order must describe the conduct that the Court thinks violates Rule 11, and it can be issued against an attorney, law firm, or party.

Answer: (D)

Rule 11(c)(3) lets the court initiate a show-cause order to address potential Rule 11 violations, even without the agreement of all parties. The show-cause order must describe the conduct the court believes violates Rule 11, and it can be issued against an attorney, a law firm, or a party. This ensures the recipient knows what conduct is at issue and has an opportunity to respond before sanctions are imposed. The other statements don’t fit because the court may act sua sponte (no need for all parties’ consent), the order must describe the conduct (not just demand a hearing), and it can be issued against a party as well as an attorney or law firm.