Which document initiates a civil lawsuit?

In a civil lawsuit, the document that initiates the proceedings is the complaint. The complaint sets forth the plaintiff's allegations, legal claims, and the relief sought from the court. It is the formal written statement that outlines the details of the dispute, including the parties involved, the basis for jurisdiction, and the facts of the case.

While the summons is also a critical document in the lawsuit process, it typically accompanies the complaint. The summons serves to notify the defendant that they are being sued and provides the details of how and when they must respond. However, it is the complaint that actually starts the lawsuit by stating the claims being made.

Affidavits and judgments play different roles in the legal process. An affidavit is a written statement confirmed by oath, often used as evidence during the litigation, while a judgment is the formal decision by the court at the conclusion of a case. Therefore, the correct answer for initiating a civil lawsuit is the complaint.