What are "claims" in a civil suit?

In the context of a civil suit, "claims" refer to the allegations made by a plaintiff that assert their legal rights. When a plaintiff brings a lawsuit, they detail their grievances and specify the legal basis for their case, which is articulated through claims. These claims communicate what the plaintiff believes the defendant has done wrong and what remedies they seek, whether that be compensation, specific performance, or another form of relief.

This definition aligns with the primary role of the claims in civil litigation, which serves to outline the issues that need resolving and provide a framework for the court's judgment. In this way, claims are essential as they inform both the court and the defendant about the nature of the dispute and the legal assertions the plaintiff is making.