General (not jurisdiction-specific)

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.

The pleading that starts a civil case by stating the plaintiff’s claims and the relief requested.

The defendant’s pleading responding to the complaint, admitting or denying each allegation and stating defenses.

A court-issued document that notifies a defendant of a lawsuit and the time to respond. It is served with the complaint.

Formally delivering the summons and complaint to a defendant in a way the rules allow.