Pro Se General Complaint for a Civil Case (Rev.10/16)
United States District Court
for the
NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ALABAMA
_________________________________________________ }
Plaintiff }
(Write your full name. No more than one plaintiff may be named in a pro se }
complaint) }
}
}
v. } Case No.:_______________________
} (to be filled in by the Clerk's Office)
}
} JURY TRIAL ☐ Yes ☐ No
}
}
}
________________________________________ }
}
Defendant(s) }
(Write the full name of each defendant who is being sued. If the names of all
defendants cannot fit in the space above or on page 2, please write “see }
attached” in the space and attach an additional page with the full list of }
names) }
COMPLAINT FOR A CIVIL CASE
I. The Parties to This Complaint
A. The Plaintiff
Name
Street Address
City and County
State and Zip Code
Telephone Number
B. The Defendant(s)
Provide the information below for each defendant named in the complaint,
whether the defendant is an individual, a government agency, an organization or a
corporation. If you are suing an individual in his/her official capacity, include the
person’s job or title. Attach additional pages if needed.
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Pro Se General Complaint for a Civil Case (Rev.10/16)
Defendant No. 1
Name
Job or Title
Street Address
City and County
State and Zip Code
Defendant No. 2
Name
Job or Title
Street Address
City and County
State and Zip Code
Defendant No. 3
Name
Job or Title
Street Address
City and County
State and Zip Code
Defendant No. 4
Name
Job or Title
Street Address
City and County
State and Zip Code
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Pro Se General Complaint for a Civil Case (Rev.10/16)
Defendant No. 5
Name
Job or Title
Street Address
City and County
State and Zip Code
II. Basis for Jurisdiction
Federal courts are courts of limited jurisdiction (limited power). Generally, only these
types of cases can be heard in federal court: a dispute that involves a right in the United
States Constitution or a federal law (as opposed to a state law or local ordinance); a
dispute that involves the United States of America (or any of its agencies, officers or
employees in their official capacities) as a party; and a dispute between citizens of
different states with an amount in controversy that is more than $75,000.
What is the basis for federal court jurisdiction? (check all that apply)
☐ Constitutional or Federal Question ☐ USA Defendant ☐ Diversity of citizenship
Fill out the paragraphs in this section that apply to this case.
A. If the Basis for Jurisdiction is USA defendant
The Defendant(s)
Name of Agency
Address
B. If the Basis for Jurisdiction is a Constitutional or Federal Question
List the specific federal statutes, federal treaties, and/or provisions of the United
States Constitution that are at issue in this case.
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Pro Se General Complaint for a Civil Case (Rev.10/16)
C. If the Basis for Jurisdiction is Diversity of Citizenship
1. The Plaintiff
The plaintiff, (name) , is a citizen of the
State of (name) .
2. The Defendant(s)
a. If the defendant is an individual
The defendant, (name) , is a citizen of the
State of (name) . Or is a citizen of
(foreign nation) .
b. If the defendant is a corporation
The defendant, (name) , is incorporated under
the laws of the State of (name) , and has its
principal place of business in the State of (name) .
Or is incorporated under the laws of (foreign nation)
, and has its principal place of
business in (name) .
(If more than one defendant is named in the complaint, attach an additional
page providing the same information for each additional defendant.)
3. The Amount in Controversy
The amount in controversy – the amount the plaintiff claims the defendant
owes or the amount that is at state – is more than $75,000, not counting
interest and costs of court, because: (explain)
III. Statement of Claim
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Pro Se General Complaint for a Civil Case (Rev.10/16)
Write a short and plain statement of the claim. Briefly state the facts showing that the
plaintiff is entitled to the damages or other relief sought. State how each defendant was
involved and what each defendant did that caused the plaintiff harm or violated the
plaintiff’s rights, including the dates and places of that involvement or conduct. If more
than one claim is asserted, number each claim and write a short and plain statement of
each claim in a separate paragraph. Attach additional pages if needed.
IV. Relief
State briefly and precisely what damages or other relief the plaintiff asks for the court to
order. Include any basis for claiming that the wrongs alleged are continuing at the present
time. Include the amounts of any actual damages claimed for the acts alleged and the
basis for these amounts. Include any punitive (punishment) or exemplary (warning or
deterrent) damages claimed, the amounts, and the reasons you claim you are entitled to
actual or punitive money damages.
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Pro Se General Complaint for a Civil Case (Rev.10/16)
V. Certification and Closing
Under Rule 11 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, by signing below, I certify to the
best of my knowledge, information, and belief that this complaint; (1) is not being
presented for an improper purpose, such as to harass, cause unnecessary delay, or
needlessly increase the cost of litigation; (2) is supported by existing law or by a non-
frivolous argument for extending, modifying or reversing existing law; (3) the factual
contentions have evidentiary support or, if specifically so identified, will likely have
evidentiary support after a reasonable opportunity for further investigation or discovery;
and (4) complies with the requirements of Rule 11.
I agree to provide the Clerk’s Office with any changes to my address where case-related papers
may be served. I understand that my failure to keep a current address on file with the Clerk’s
Office may result in dismissal of my case.
First Name Last Name
Mailing Address
City and State Zip Code
Telephone Number
E-mail Address
Signature of plaintiff
Date signed
**OPTIONAL**
You may request to receive electronic notifications. You may not file documents or
communicate with the court electronically. All documents must be submitted in paper and you
must serve the defendants.
Type of personal computer and related software/equipment required:
• Personal computer running a standard platform such as Windows or Mac OSX
• Internet access (high speed is recommended)
• A Web browser (Microsoft Internet Explorer 7.0 or 6.0 or Mozilla Firefox 2 or 1.5)
• Adobe Acrobat Reader is needed for viewing e-filed documents
• PACER account – Information and registration at www.pacer.gov
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Pro Se General Complaint for a Civil Case (Rev.10/16)
• You will receive one “free” look of the document. Documents must be viewed within 14
days. You must only single-click on the hyperlink to view.
Note: You must promptly notice the Clerk’s Office, in writing, if there is a change in your
designated e-mail address. Failure to update your email address does not excuse failures to
appear or timely respond.
E-mail type:
☐ HTML – Recommended for most e-mail clients
☐ Plain Text – Recommended for e-mail accounts unable to process HTML e-mail
Conditioned upon the sufficiency of your electronic equipment which the court will test and
verify receipt, you will be allowed to receive electronic notifications.
By submitting this request , the undersigned consents to electronic service and waives the right to
personal service and service by first class mail pursuant to Rule 5(b)(2) of the Federal Rules of
Civil Procedure, except with regard to service of a summons and complaint.
When a filing is entered on the case docket, a party who is registered for electronic noticing will
receive a Notice of Electronic Filing in his/her designated e-mail account. The Notice will allow
one free look at the document, and any attached .pdf may be printed or saved.
IMPORTANT:
Messages sent to Yahoo or AOL accounts are frequently found in the spam folder until the court
is added to your address book.
E-mail address designated for noticing:
Participant signature:
Date:
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