Which rule requires the plaintiff to state a claim showing they are entitled to relief?

• A. Rule 8(a)
• B. Rule 12(b)(6)
• C. Rule 9(b)
• D. Rule 12(e)

Answer: (A)

Rule 8(a) sets the basic pleading standard: the complaint must contain a short and plain statement showing that the pleader is entitled to relief, along with a demand for the relief sought. This requirement is about giving the court and the opposing party notice of what the claim is and why the plaintiff deserves remedy. The other rules serve different purposes: Rule 12(b)(6) is a defense that a defendant can raise if the complaint fails to state a claim; Rule 9(b) requires heightened specificity for fraud claims; Rule 12(e) allows a more definite statement when the complaint is too vague. So the rule that requires the plaintiff to state a claim showing entitlement to relief is Rule 8(a).