What does the legal term “complaint” initiate?

The term "complaint" is a formal legal document that initiates a lawsuit. It outlines the plaintiff's claims against the defendant, specifying the facts of the case and the legal grounds upon which the plaintiff seeks relief. By filing a complaint, the plaintiff officially brings their grievances before the court, seeking a legal remedy for the alleged wrongs.

In this context, the complaint serves as the starting point of the judicial process, as it sets the stage for the subsequent legal proceedings, including the defendant’s response and potentially a trial. The other options represent different aspects of legal processes and outcomes but do not directly relate to the initiation of a legal action. A settlement agreement represents a resolution outside of court, a cross-examination occurs during the trial phase after the complaint has been filed, and a judgment is the formal decision made by a judge or jury at the conclusion of a trial, not the starting point of a lawsuit.