Which statement best describes the role of evidentiary support certification under Rule 11?

• A. To certify that you have some evidence supporting the fact
• B. To certify that the fact is true
• C. To certify that the client will testify
• D. To certify that you have complied with the court's orders

Answer: (B)

Rule 11 focuses on evidentiary support for the factual contentions, not on asserting that the facts are true. When you sign a pleading, you are certifying that, to the best of your knowledge after a reasonable inquiry, the factual contentions have evidentiary support or will likely have such support after a reasonable opportunity for discovery. It’s about having a solid basis in evidence or a reasonable expectation of obtaining it, not a guarantee that the facts are true. This distinction matters because the rule targets ensuring claims aren’t frivolous or unsupported, and it carries potential sanctions if the certification is made without adequate inquiry. The other statements misstate the role: the certification isn’t about vouching that the facts are true, about whether the client will testify, or about complying with court orders.