Complaint

A complaint is a formal pleading that begins many civil lawsuits. It identifies the plaintiff’s claims, explains the basis for the court’s jurisdiction, and states the relief requested. The defendant usually responds with an answer or a motion under the applicable procedural rules.

Example: Oliver Brown and other families brought a complaint challenging racial segregation in public schools in the litigation that became Brown v. Board of Education.

Common misconception: A complaint proves that the defendant did what the plaintiff alleges. It states the claims; the court resolves disputed facts and legal issues through the process that follows.

Sources: https://www.uscourts.gov/rules-policies/current-rules-practice-procedure/federal-rules-civil-procedure; https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USREPORTS-347/pdf/USREPORTS-347-483.pdf