What kind of claim might lead you to attach a written instrument to a pleading?

• A. A breach of contract claim
• B. A personal injury claim
• C. A defamation claim
• D. A constitutional claim

Answer: (A)

When a claim is based on a written agreement or instrument, you attach that document to the pleading because it sets out the exact rights and obligations at issue. A contract, mortgage, promissory note, or similar written instrument defines what was promised and what constitutes a breach, so including the document helps the court see the terms and assess whether a breach occurred. This is why a breach of contract claim is the kind of claim that would commonly have a written instrument attached as an exhibit.

In contrast, the other types of claims typically do not hinge on a written contract to prove their elements. A personal injury claim centers on harm caused by conduct, not on the terms of a contract. A defamation claim rests on false statements and publication, not on contractual terms. A constitutional claim involves rights and violations of law or the Constitution, rather than the terms of a contract. Hence, attaching a written instrument to support those claims would be less appropriate.