Cause of action

What cause of action means

In practice, you will see cause of action in pleadings, motions, orders and court rules. The definition above explains the general meaning. Even so, the meaning can shift with context. Therefore, always read it alongside the rule or document where it appears.

Where cause of action comes up

For example, the term appears in these procedures:

• Complaint (Fed. R. Civ. P. 3, 8(a)): the pleading that starts a civil action. Under Rule 3, a civil action is commenced by filing a complaint with the court.

Read the source: Claim.

How to research the term

To research cause of action, begin with the rule, statute or contract where the word is used. Each one can give it a slightly different meaning. Then compare that text with how courts in your area have applied it. Also check the local rules of your court, since they can add requirements. If your case is in state court, the state rules control. So start with our state procedures guide to find them. In the end, always confirm that the source you rely on is current.

You can read the official rule text online for free.

Related legal terms

• Plaintiff: the person or entity that starts a civil lawsuit by filing a complaint.
• Pleading: a formal written statement of a party's claims or defenses. Under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 7(a), the pleadings are the complaint, the answer, and certain other listed documents. Motions are not pleadings.
• Complaint: the pleading that starts a civil case by stating the plaintiff's claims and the relief requested.
• Caption: the heading of a court document identifying the court, the parties, the case number and the document title.
• Legal name: the name that identifies a person for legal purposes. For an individual, it is generally the name recorded at birth unless lawfully changed, for example by marriage or court order. For a business entity, it is the name in its formation documents.

Why precise terms matter

Legal words often look like everyday words, but they can carry a precise meaning. Because of that, a small misreading can change how you understand a deadline, a duty or a right. Our glossary keeps each definition short and links it to the procedures where it matters.