What document serves to formally state the facts of a case and demand a remedy in court?

The document that serves to formally state the facts of a case and demand a remedy in court is known as a complaint. A complaint is the initial pleading filed by a plaintiff that outlines the basis of the court’s jurisdiction, the facts supporting the plaintiff’s claim, the legal grounds for the lawsuit, and the specific relief sought. This document sets the stage for the litigation process by providing the defendant with notice of the claims against them, thereby allowing them the opportunity to respond.

In legal terminology, other documents play various roles in the litigation process. For example, a petition may be used in certain jurisdictions or specific types of cases (like family law cases) but does not serve the same function as a complaint in general civil litigation. An answer is a response by the defendant acknowledging or refuting the claims made in the complaint, while a motion is a request to the court for a specific ruling or order, which is not the same as initiating a lawsuit. Therefore, the function of a complaint is distinct and crucial in the legal process, making it the correct choice for this question.