Which documents initiate a civil action in New York State Supreme Court?

• A. Summons and Complaint
• B. Complaint
• C. Answer
• D. Caption

Answer: (A)

In New York Supreme Court, starting a civil action is done by filing and serving a summons together with a complaint. The summons gives the defendant formal notice of the case and requires them to appear or answer, while the complaint sets out the facts and legal claims you’re making. Together, these documents place the case on the court’s docket and start the litigation timeline. A complaint alone doesn’t initiate the action because there’s no formal notice to the defendant or court involvement without the summons. An answer is what the defendant files in response after being served, and a caption is just the header that appears on pleadings.