Civil Procedure Multistate Bar Practice Exam

Which of the following elements must a complaint contain for it to be considered sufficient?

1. A statement of grounds for subject matter jurisdiction

2. A detailed history of the case

3. A list of all parties' attorneys

4. A conjectural statement of facts

The correct answer is: A statement of grounds for subject matter jurisdiction

A complaint must contain a statement of grounds for subject matter jurisdiction for it to be considered legally sufficient. This requirement is crucial because it informs the court of the legal basis for its authority to hear the case. Subject matter jurisdiction establishes whether a court has the power to adjudicate the type of controversy presented and is a fundamental aspect of any legal proceeding. While detailed information about the case can be useful, a comprehensive history is not a requirement for sufficiency in a complaint. Similarly, listing all parties' attorneys is not necessary for the complaint’s sufficiency; while it might be relevant in practice, it does not relate to the core elements that make a complaint effective. Lastly, a conjectural statement of facts does not fulfill the requirement of providing a clear and plausible claim for relief, as complaints need to contain sufficient factual allegations to support the plaintiff’s claims rather than mere conjecture. Thus, the fundamental necessity of asserting the grounds for subject matter jurisdiction underscores why this element is essential to any complaint.