Rule 3: Commencing an Action

Question 1

How is a civil action commenced?

Answer 1

A civil action is commenced by filing a complaint with the court.

Question 2

What are the three essential components of a federal complaint?

Answer 2

A federal complaint, or any other pleading that states a claim for relief, must include:

the grounds for jurisdiction,
a short and plain statement of the claim, and
a demand for relief.