What is the purpose of Rule 3?

• A. Determine damages
• B. Commence an action
• C. Provide for appellate review
• D. Set discovery limits

Answer: (B)

The main idea tested is when a civil action officially begins. Under Rule 3, a civil action is commenced by filing a complaint with the court. That filing marks the formal start of the case, giving the court jurisdiction over the dispute and setting the procedural clock in motion, including later steps like service, responsive pleadings, and discovery. It’s distinct from serving the defendant—the act that brings the defendant into the action after it’s filed. So, the purpose of Rule 3 is to establish the initiation of the lawsuit through the act of filing a complaint. It isn’t about calculating damages, providing for appellate review, or setting discovery limits, which are addressed by other rules and stages of the procedure.