Which document initiates a civil lawsuit?

The document that initiates a civil lawsuit is the complaint. This is the formal legal document filed by a plaintiff in a civil case to outline the claims against the defendant. In the complaint, the plaintiff details the facts of the case, the legal grounds for the lawsuit, and the relief or damages sought. It serves to notify the defendant of the legal action being taken against them, allowing them to prepare a response.

Motions, answers, and subpoenas play different roles in the legal process. A motion is a request made to the court to obtain a ruling or order; it does not commence a lawsuit. An answer is the defendant's response to the complaint, where they can admit or deny the allegations. A subpoena is a request for a witness to appear in court or produce evidence; it is not a document that initiates proceedings but is often used during the discovery phase of litigation. Understanding this structure helps clarify the progression of a civil lawsuit and the specific functions of various legal documents.