Under Rule 12(b)(6), what phrase describes the standard applied to the complaint's allegations?

Under Rule 12(b)(6), what phrase describes the standard applied to the complaint's allegations?

• A. Plausible claim for relief.
• B. Proved claim beyond a reasonable doubt.
• C. Probable claim that is likely to succeed.
• D. Required to plead a prima facie case.

Answer: (A)

Rule 12(b)(6) uses a plausibility standard: a complaint must plead enough factual content to render a claim for relief plausible, not merely possible. The idea, clarified by Twombly and Iqbal, is that courts accept the plaintiff’s well-pled facts as true, but they do not accept mere legal conclusions or speculative allegations. The facts must allow a reasonable inference that the defendant is liable for the claimed conduct. This is distinct from criminal standards like proving beyond a reasonable doubt, or from requiring a prima facie case at this stage; those concepts apply in other contexts.

Rule 12(b)(6) uses a plausibility standard: a complaint must plead enough factual content to render a claim for relief plausible, not merely possible. The idea, clarified by Twombly and Iqbal, is that courts accept the plaintiff’s well-pled facts as true, but they do not accept mere legal conclusions or speculative allegations. The facts must allow a reasonable inference that the defendant is liable for the claimed conduct. This is distinct from criminal standards like proving beyond a reasonable doubt, or from requiring a prima facie case at this stage; those concepts apply in other contexts.