What document is essential for setting the boundaries of a lawsuit?

The complaint is a pivotal document in the legal process as it serves as the initial pleading that formally sets forth the claims of a plaintiff against a defendant. It outlines the basis of the court's jurisdiction, the facts that form the grounds for the lawsuit, and the specific relief or damages the plaintiff is seeking. By establishing the framework of the lawsuit, the complaint defines the issues that will be addressed and the limits of the litigation. Essentially, it delineates the boundaries within which the case will proceed, guiding both parties in their interactions and the court's deliberations.

Other documents, while important in different stages of the legal process, do not serve the same foundational role in framing the lawsuit. For instance, a settlement agreement pertains to the resolution of a dispute and comes into play after allegations have been made and potentially resolved. An evidence list is a compilation of items intended for use in court, relevant only once the issues have been defined. Similarly, a trial brief summarizes a party's legal arguments for the court but does not set the initial boundaries of the case. Thus, the complaint stands out as the essential document that initiates and outlines the scope of the legal proceedings.