Civil Procedure
Complaint
The initial pleading filed by the plaintiff that starts a civil lawsuit.
Governing rule: Fed. R. Civ. P. 8(a), 7(a)
Plain-English definition
The complaint is the document the plaintiff files to begin a civil lawsuit. It identifies the parties, states the basis for the court's jurisdiction, lays out the factual allegations, names the legal claims (counts), and demands the relief sought. The defendant must respond by motion or answer within the time set by the court rules.
More in Civil Procedure
Amended Complaint
A revised complaint that changes, adds, or clarifies allegations, parties, or claims after the original complaint was filed.
Answer
The defendant's formal written response to the plaintiff's complaint, admitting or denying each allegation.
Class Certification
The judicial decision to allow a lawsuit to proceed as a class action on behalf of similarly-situated plaintiffs.
Collateral Estoppel
Also called issue preclusion. The doctrine that prevents re-litigating a specific issue that was actually decided in a prior case.
Consolidation
Combining related cases for coordinated management, discovery, hearings, or trial.
Counterclaim
A claim brought by a defendant against the plaintiff within the same lawsuit.
Crossclaim
A claim by one party against a co-party, such as one defendant suing another defendant in the same case.
Default
A clerk or court entry showing that a party failed to plead, defend, or otherwise respond as required.
Not legal advice. Definitions are for general reference. Consult an attorney before relying on any term in a real case.