California Private Investigator Practice Exam

In civil litigation, what document formally initiates the lawsuit process?

1. A complaint

2. A deposition

3. A summons

4. A verdict

The correct answer is: A complaint

The document that formally initiates the lawsuit process in civil litigation is a complaint. A complaint is a legal document filed with the court that sets forth the plaintiff's allegations against the defendant and outlines the basis for the court's jurisdiction, the facts of the case, and the relief sought by the plaintiff. This initial document serves as a roadmap for the litigation, guiding both the court and the parties involved about the issues at hand. While other options like a summons and a deposition play important roles in the litigation process, they do not initiate the lawsuit. A summons is issued after a complaint is filed and serves to notify the defendant that a lawsuit has been initiated, whereas a deposition is a pre-trial discovery tool used to gather testimony under oath. A verdict, on the other hand, comes at the end of a trial, representing the decision made by the judge or jury regarding the case. Therefore, the complaint is crucial because it marks the official start of litigation, outlining the plaintiff's case and setting the stage for the legal proceedings that follow.