AAERT Certified Electronic Reporter (CER) Practice Test

What is the plaintiff's cause of action in a legal pleading?

1. The Answer

2. The Complaint

3. The Response

4. The Motion

The correct answer is: The Complaint

The correct answer identifies the "Complaint" as the plaintiff's cause of action in a legal pleading. In legal terminology, the Complaint is the initial document filed by the plaintiff that outlines the facts and legal reasons why the plaintiff believes they are entitled to relief from the court. It details the specific claims against the defendant and sets forth the plaintiff's cause of action, which is the basis for the lawsuit. To articulate a cause of action, the plaintiff must establish some grounds for the lawsuit, typically based on a legal theory such as breach of contract, negligence, or statutory violation. The Complaint serves not only to inform the defendant of the claims against them but also to provide the court with sufficient information to adjudicate the matter. In contrast, options such as the Answer, Response, and Motion refer to different aspects of legal procedure. The Answer is the defendant's formal response to the Complaint, addressing the allegations made by the plaintiff. The Response generally refers to the reply to any pleadings or motions filed by the other party. A Motion is a request made to the court for a specific ruling or order, often filed in the context of ongoing litigation. Therefore, the Complaint specifically represents the initiation of a plaintiff's cause of action in the legal system.