In a civil action, the first pleading of the plaintiff setting out the facts on which the claim is based;
However, court proceedings, such as a trial, cannot be instituted until an indictment or information has been handed down against the defendant.
The purpose is to give notice to the adversary of the nature and basis of the claim asserted.
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 declaration in common-law pleading, by which the party interposes an oblique allegation or denial of some fact, protesting that it does or does not exist, and at the same time avoiding a direct affirmation or denial.
a formal solemn objection or other declaration