Which party files the initial complaint in a civil lawsuit?

• A. Plaintiff
• B. Defendant
• C. Judge
• D. Clerk

Answer: (A)

The party who starts a civil case is the plaintiff. They file the initial pleading, the complaint, with the court to lay out what happened, who’s involved, and what relief or remedy they’re seeking. The defendant is the party being sued and responds to that complaint. The judge oversees and decides the case but doesn’t file the initial document. The clerk handles administrative tasks like receiving filings and maintaining records, but doesn’t initiate the lawsuit. Filing the complaint is the formal step that begins the action, with service of that complaint on the defendant giving notice and triggering the defendant’s right to respond.