Which document typically initiates a civil lawsuit?

The document that typically initiates a civil lawsuit is the complaint. A complaint is a formal legal document filed by the plaintiff that outlines the facts of the case, the legal basis for the lawsuit, and the specific relief or damages sought. It serves as the first step in the judicial process, officially notifying the court and the defendant of the plaintiff's claims and intended legal action.

The complaint is essential because it sets the stage for the entire lawsuit, detailing the dispute and providing the necessary information for the court to address the issues presented. Once the complaint is filed, it is usually followed by a summons, which is served to the defendant, informing them that they have been sued and requiring them to respond.

The other documents mentioned, while important in different contexts, do not initiate a civil lawsuit. An affidavit is a written statement confirmed by oath, often used as evidence, but it does not start a legal action. A summons follows a complaint and is used to notify the defendant of the lawsuit and the need to respond. A subpoena is a document that requires a person to appear in court or produce evidence in a legal proceeding, but it does not itself initiate any lawsuit.