Which statement accurately describes the scope of pleadings reviewed for a Rule 12(b)(6) motion?

Which statement accurately describes the scope of pleadings reviewed for a Rule 12(b)(6) motion?

• A. only the complaint
• B. the complaint and attached exhibits
• C. the complaint and answers
• D. the complaint and discovery requests

Answer: (A)

Rule 12(b)(6) tests whether the plaintiff’s complaint states a plausible claim for relief. The court’s review is limited to the pleading itself—the complaint as filed (including any material that is part of the pleading). It does not look to discovery materials, the defendant’s answers, or other non-pleading documents to test the sufficiency of the claim. If the complaint, taken as true, doesn’t allege a recognizable claim, the motion should be granted. That focus on the complaint alone is why this option best captures the scope of review.

Rule 12(b)(6) tests whether the plaintiff’s complaint states a plausible claim for relief. The court’s review is limited to the pleading itself—the complaint as filed (including any material that is part of the pleading). It does not look to discovery materials, the defendant’s answers, or other non-pleading documents to test the sufficiency of the claim. If the complaint, taken as true, doesn’t allege a recognizable claim, the motion should be granted. That focus on the complaint alone is why this option best captures the scope of review.