Which party files the initial pleading to start a civil case?

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

Answer: (A)

Starting a civil action means one party files the initial pleading with the court to explain what happened, the legal claims, and the relief sought. The party who does this is the plaintiff. The document filed is typically called a complaint or petition and it serves to give both the court and the opposing party notice of the case and its basis. The defendant is the party being sued and would respond with an answer later. A clerk handles the filing process and maintains court records, but does not initiate the case on behalf of a party. A judge presides over the case and makes rulings, not filing the initial claim.