What defines a complaint in legal terms?

In legal terms, a complaint is defined as a sworn statement regarding a law violation. This document serves as the formal legal document that outlines the allegations against a party, typically the defendant, and details the basis of the case. It is usually filed by the plaintiff in a civil case or by the prosecutor in a criminal case, and it initiates legal proceedings by informing the court and the defendant of the specific grievances being raised.

This formal document is critical as it sets forth the facts of the case and the legal claims that support the plaintiff's or state's argument. By being sworn, it indicates that the content is verified to the best knowledge of the person making the statement, establishing a foundation of credibility for the claims made within the legal system. In contrast, other options such as an informal accusation, a court decision, or an arrest warrant do not align with the formal definition or function of a legal complaint. An informal accusation lacks the requisite legal formality, a court decision comes after a complaint has been considered, and an arrest warrant is a directive for law enforcement rather than a statement of legal grievances.