In general use, a complaint is an expression of displeasure, such as poor service at a store, or from a local government, or your leg being amputated, etc.

In the common law, a complaint is a formal legal document that sets out the basic facts and legal reasons (see: cause of action) that the filing party (the plaintiffs) believes are sufficient to support a claim against another person, persons, entity or entities (the defendants) that entitles the plaintiff(s) to a remedy (either money damages or injunctive relief). For sample complaints, click here. See also petition and pleading.

In criminal cases, it is a criminal complaint (felony complaint) and the plaintiff is the State (also sometimes called the People) or Crown (in the Commonwealth of Nations) as the source of the prosecutor's authority emanates from the police power of the state with the defendant being the accused who faces criminal sanctions.

In certain countries, (for example the UK and many countries of the European Community), the making of consumer complaints, particularly regarding the sale of financial services, is governed by statute. The statutory authority may require companies to reply to complaints within set time limits, publish written procedures for handling customer dissatisfaction and provide information about arbitration schemes.

See also

• Petition
• Pleading
• Service of process

demanda

Legal terms | Legal documents