What is the first stage of a lawsuit?

• A. the discovery stage
• B. the trial stage
• C. the pleading stage
• D. the appeal stage

Answer: (C)

The first stage of a lawsuit is the pleading stage, where the case is formally started and the issues are defined. The plaintiff begins by filing a complaint that lays out the facts, legal claims, and the relief sought, and serves it on the defendant along with a summons. The defendant then responds with an answer (or a motion to dismiss), admitting or denying the allegations and raising defenses. This phase serves to put the court and the parties on notice of what is being disputed and to set the scope of the dispute. After pleadings, the typical sequence moves into discovery, then trial, and finally any appeals. So the pleading stage is the initial step that starts the litigation process.