In civil actions, which party initiates the case?

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

Answer: (A)

In civil actions, the initiator of the case is the plaintiff. The plaintiff files a complaint with the court, laying out the facts, legal claims, and the relief sought. After filing, the plaintiff serves the summons and complaint on the defendant to notify them that a suit has begun. The defendant then responds by answering the complaint or moving to dismiss. The judge is the official who oversees and rules on the case, and the jury, if there is one, serves as the trier of fact during trial. The essential idea is that the plaintiff starts the action by filing the complaint and initiating the court process.