What is the primary purpose of a complaint in a lawsuit?

The primary purpose of a complaint in a lawsuit is to initiate legal proceedings. This document formally sets the process in motion by stating the plaintiff's case, including the facts and legal reasons that warrant relief from the court. When a complaint is filed, it notifies the defendant of the claims being made against them and the legal basis for those claims, thereby establishing the framework for the litigation.

Filing a complaint is the first step in the civil litigation process, as it establishes jurisdiction and sets forth the issues that the court will address. The other options do not accurately describe the function of a complaint: issuing a default judgment pertains to situations where a defendant fails to respond; outlining the defendant's rights is more related to the defendant's response; and providing a defense strategy is an aspect of preparing for trial but is not a function of the complaint itself.