What is the primary distinction between a complaint and an answer in federal civil procedure?

• A. The complaint responds to the defendant's prior motions; the answer initiates the case.
• B. The complaint sets forth claims and jurisdiction; the answer responds to the claims and may include defenses, affirmative defenses, and counterclaims.
• C. The complaint determines jurisdiction after filing; the answer only addresses damages.
• D. The complaint is drafted by the judge; the answer is drafted by the plaintiff.

Answer: (B)

In federal civil procedure, the complaint initiates the action by laying out the plaintiff’s claims and the basis for subject-matter jurisdiction. The answer is the defendant’s formal response to those allegations and may include defenses, affirmative defenses, and counterclaims against the plaintiff. So the complaint tells the court what is being claimed and why there is jurisdiction to hear the case, while the answer replies to those claims and sets out the defendant’s position, including any defenses and potential counterclaims.