The purpose is to give notice to the adversary of the nature and basis of the claim asserted.
However, court proceedings, such as a trial, cannot be instituted until an indictment or information has been handed down against the defendant.
In a civil action, the first pleading of the plaintiff setting out the facts on which the claim is based;
The act of complaining.
A grievance, problem, difficulty, or concern.
In criminal law, the preliminary charge or accusation made by one person against another to the appropriate court or officer, usually a magistrate.
A bodily disorder or disease; the symptom of such a disorder.
A reason, explanation, or excuse which someone believes provides convincing, morally acceptable support for behavior or for a belief or occurrence.
The forgiveness of sin.
The alignment of text to the left margin (left justification), the right margin (right justification), or both margins (full justification).