What initiates a legal action in a civil case?

In a civil case, a legal action is initiated when the plaintiff files a civil claim. This document outlines the plaintiff's grievances against the defendant and serves as the official start of the legal process in court. The civil claim typically includes details about the parties involved, the facts giving rise to the dispute, the legal grounds for the claim, and the relief or remedy being sought.

This process is fundamental to civil litigation as it formally sets the case in motion, allowing both parties to present their arguments and evidence to the court. Once the claim is filed, the defendant is then required to respond to the allegations in a format known as an answer. However, it is the filing of the civil claim by the plaintiff that initiates the action, making it the correct answer.