Which Rule defense addresses failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted?

• A. Lack of subject-matter jurisdiction
• B. Lack of personal jurisdiction
• C. Improper venue
• D. Failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted

Answer: (D)

This question tests the Rule 12(b)(6) defense: failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted. The essence is whether the plaintiff’s complaint, even taking all its factual allegations as true, lays out a legally actionable claim. If the pleaded facts don’t include all the elements needed for a valid claim or otherwise show a legal basis for relief, the court can dismiss the case on that ground. That’s exactly what the defense labeled “failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted” addresses. It’s distinct from lack of subject-matter jurisdiction or lack of personal jurisdiction, which deal with whether the court has power to hear the case or whether the defendant can be brought into the case, and from improper venue, which concerns the proper location for the case. The focus here is the legal sufficiency of the plaintiff’s claim itself, not the court’s authority or where the case is filed.