Pleadings (12(b) Motions)
Civil Procedure · Lesson 05
Pleadings (12(b) Motions)
這一課問的是：起訴狀適用何種標準？Rule 12(b) 哪項動議攻擊哪項問題？
ActorActObjectStandardConsequence
Visual Scene · the picture in your head
Issue. What pleading standard governs the complaint — and which Rule 12(b) motion attacks what?
這一課問的是：起訴狀適用何種標準？Rule 12(b) 哪項動議攻擊哪項問題？
Core Terminology · 7 must-know
Tap a card to flip and reveal the meaning.
notice pleading
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Rule 8: short and plain statement.
通知起訴。
plausibility standard
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Twombly/Iqbal: factual allegations must state plausible claim.
可信度標準。
12(b)(1)
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Lack of subject matter jurisdiction.
12(b)(1) 缺乏 SMJ。
12(b)(2)
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Lack of personal jurisdiction.
12(b)(2) 缺乏 PJ。
12(b)(3)
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Improper venue.
12(b)(3) 審判地不當。
12(b)(6)
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Failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted.
12(b)(6) 未陳述可救濟之請求。
Rule 11
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Attorney certifies factual and legal basis; sanctions for violations.
Rule 11 證明 + 制裁。
Issue · what this lesson is really about
What pleading standard governs the complaint — and which Rule 12(b) motion attacks what?
這一課問的是：起訴狀適用何種標準？Rule 12(b) 哪項動議攻擊哪項問題？
Trigger words & phrases that should flag this issue:
motion to dismissplausibility12(b)(6)12(b)(2)amend
Expression Bank · how lawyers actually say it
Six function → sentence patterns. Use these in essay applications.
| Function | English sentence | 中文 |
|---|---|---|
| Apply Twombly | Complaint must plead enough facts to state a plausible claim — not merely conceivable. | 須陳述充分事實構成可信請求。 |
| Apply 12(b)(6) | Court accepts well-pleaded facts as true and asks whether they plausibly support a claim. | 採信事實，問是否可信。 |
| Apply 12(g)/(h) | Defenses 12(b)(2)-(5) must be raised together or waived; (b)(6), (7), (1) preserved. | 12(b)(2)-(5) 須一起提；(b)(6)(7)(1) 例外。 |
| Apply Rule 11 | Attorney must certify factual and legal basis; sanctions available for violations. | 律師須證明；違反可制裁。 |
Rule Sentence · the workhorse
Federal pleadings require a short and plain statement of the claim under Rule 8 that states a plausible claim for relief under Twombly/Iqbal; defenses listed in Rule 12(b) may be raised by motion before answer, with most defenses waived if not consolidated under Rule 12(g)/(h).
Sentence Anatomy · 5 roles, 5 colors
Every rule sentence breaks into five visual roles.
Actor 行為人plaintiff and defendant原告與被告
Act 行為pleading and moving to dismiss起訴與聲請駁回
Object 對象complaint and defenses起訴狀與抗辯
Standard 法律標準Rule 8 + Twombly + Rule 12(b)Rule 8 + Twombly + Rule 12(b)
Consequence 後果case proceeds or dismissed訴訟進行或駁回
Casebook Snapshot · a real American case
Ashcroft v. Iqbal
Holding. Twombly's plausibility standard applies to all civil cases. A complaint must contain factual allegations that, taken as true, plausibly suggest entitlement to relief. Conclusory allegations and "the-defendant-unlawfully-harmed-me" recitations are insufficient.
Why it matters. Iqbal entrenched plausibility pleading across federal civil litigation. Notice alone no longer suffices.
Iqbal：Twombly 可信度標準適用一切民事案件。
Common Mistakes · what trips students
✗ notice pleading 與 plausibility 同義。
✓ Twombly raised the bar above mere notice.
Twombly 提高了標準。
✗ 所有 12(b) 抗辯可隨時提。
✓ Most must be consolidated or waived under 12(g)/(h).
多須合併否則放棄。
Mini IRAC · build the Application
Issue. Should the district court grant D's 12(b)(6) motion to dismiss when the complaint alleges, in conclusory terms, that D "conspired to harm P"?
Rule. A complaint must allege sufficient facts to state a plausible claim for relief; conclusory allegations are not entitled to a presumption of truth.
Application (model). The complaint alleges in conclusory terms that D "conspired to harm P" but pleads no underlying facts. Because plausibility pleading under Twombly/Iqbal requires factual allegations that plausibly suggest entitlement to relief and disregards conclusory statements, the fact that the complaint offers only the legal conclusion of conspiracy without supporting facts means it fails to state a plausible claim.
Pick the right element for each blank:
g1.
g2.
g3.
Conclusion. Therefore, the court should grant the 12(b)(6) motion (typically with leave to amend).
MBE Check · multiple choice
D files a pre-answer motion under 12(b)(6) but omits a 12(b)(2) personal-jurisdiction defense. Can D raise PJ later?
Practice Drill · tap to build the rule
Drop the chips here in correct order:
Tap chips to add → tap chips in the target to remove: