In civil procedure, a properly drafted initial pleading sets forth a claim for relief that is facially plausible. It contains sufficient factual matter, accepted as true, to state a claim to relief that is plausible on its face. This requires more than a mere recitation of the elements of a cause of action; it necessitates factual allegations that, if proven, would entitle the claimant to a remedy. For example, in a breach of contract case, the pleading would need to identify the parties, the agreement, the specific provisions breached, the performance by the claimant, and the damages suffered as a result of the breach.
The significance of such a pleading lies in its ability to withstand a motion to dismiss. A complaint fulfilling these requirements ensures the litigation proceeds beyond the initial stages, affording the claimant an opportunity to present evidence and potentially secure a favorable judgment. Historically, the standard has evolved from a notice pleading system to one requiring a greater degree of factual specificity, reflecting a desire to filter out frivolous claims at an early stage and conserve judicial resources.
