Which document states the facts and legal theories supporting the plaintiff’s claim?

• A. Answer
• B. Complaint
• C. Docket
• D. Caption

Answer: (B)

The document that frames the plaintiff’s case is the complaint. It lays out the facts the plaintiff believes support liability and the legal theories tying those facts to a claim, along with the relief sought. This initial pleading starts the case and gives the defendant notice of what is being alleged and why the court has jurisdiction to hear the matter.

An answer, by contrast, is what the defendant files in response to that complaint, admitting or denying the allegations and raising defenses. A docket is simply the court’s official record of all filings and proceedings in the case. The caption is just the heading identifying the court, the parties, and the case name and number.