Complaint

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Civil Procedure
Federal Rules of Civil Procedure Civil Procedure Rules 1998 Doctrines of civil procedure Jurisdiction Subject matter jurisdiction Diversity jurisdiction Personal jurisdiction Removal jurisdiction Venue Change of venue Forum non conveniens Pleadings and motions Service of process Process serving laws Complaint Cause of action Class action Class Action Fairness Act of 2005 Demurrer Answer Affirmative defense Reply Counterclaim Cross-claim Joinder Impleader Interpleader Pre-trial procedure Discovery Interrogatories Depositions Resolution Without Trial Default judgment Summary judgment Voluntary dismissal Involuntary dismissal Settlement Trial Parties Plaintiff Defendant Jury Voir dire Burden of proof Judgment Judgment as a matter of law (JMOL) Renewed JMOL (JNOV) Motion to set aside judgment New trial Remedy Injunction Damages Attorneys' fees American rule English rule Declaratory judgment Appeal Mandamus Certiorari
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In general use, a complaint is an expression of displeasure, such as poor service at a store, or from a local government, etc. Under common law, a complaint is a formal legal document that sets out the basic facts and legal reasons (see: cause of action) that the filing party (the plaintiffs) believes are sufficient to support a claim against another person, persons, entity or entities (the defendants) that entitles the plaintiff(s) to a remedy (either money damages or injunctive relief).

In criminal cases, it is a criminal complaint (felony complaint) and the plaintiff is the State (also sometimes called the People) or Crown (in Commonwealth Realms) as the source of the prosecutor's authority emanates from the police power of the state with the defendant being the accused who faces criminal sanctions.

In certain countries, (for example the UK and many countries of the European Community), the making of consumer complaints, particularly regarding the sale of financial services, is governed by statute. The statutory authority may require companies to reply to complaints within set time limits, publish written procedures for handling customer dissatisfaction and provide information about arbitration schemes.

See also

• Petition
• Pleading
• Service of process
• Federal Trade Commission
• Better Business Bureau

External links

• Federal Trade Commission