What are pleadings that state a claim for relief?

• A. Pleadings that include a claim
• B. Pleadings that respond to/defend against a claim
• C. Pleadings that request an extension of time
• D. Pleadings that are filed after a motion to dismiss

Answer: (A)

In civil procedure, the document that starts the lawsuit and asks the court for relief is the complaint. It includes a short, plain statement of the claim showing why the plaintiff is entitled to relief and lays out the factual basis and legal theory for the remedy sought (such as damages or an injunction). This is different from an answer, which responds to those claims and may include defenses, or from motions and procedural filings that seek extensions or address procedural issues. So pleadings that state a claim for relief are the ones that include the claim—the complaint.