Which document is filed to commence a lawsuit in federal court, serving as the initiating pleading?

• A. A Motion
• B. A Complaint
• C. An Answer
• D. A Counterclaim

Answer: (B)

In federal civil procedure, the document that starts a lawsuit is the complaint. It is the initiating pleading that the plaintiff files with the court and serves on the defendant. The complaint sets forth the basis for the court’s jurisdiction, a short and plain statement of the claim showing entitlement to relief, and a demand for relief. After filing the complaint, the plaintiff typically must also serve a summons with it under Rule 4.

An answer is what the defendant files in response to the complaint, outlining defenses and any admissions or denials to the allegations. A motion is a procedural request directed to the court about some aspect of the case, not the start of the case. A counterclaim is a claim brought by the defendant against the plaintiff, usually within the answer or a related pleading, and it arises after the action has commenced. So the initiating pleading is the complaint.