What signifies the beginning of a legal action in a civil case?

The initiation of a legal action in a civil case is signified by the filing of a complaint by the plaintiff. This document is essential because it outlines the plaintiff's allegations against the defendant and sets forth the basis for the court's jurisdiction. Once the complaint is filed with the court, the legal process officially begins, and the defendant is notified about the claims being made against them.

The filing of a defense document occurs after the complaint has been served to the defendant, as it is the defendant's response to the plaintiff's complaint. Serving a subpoena is an action taken during the course of legal proceedings to compel a witness to appear in court or produce documents but does not signify the start of the action itself. Summary judgment is a decision made by the court, usually after a case has been properly initiated and involves a ruling on the merits of the case without going to trial; it comes much later in the legal process.