Who may file a civil lawsuit in the United States?

In the United States, the ability to file a civil lawsuit is governed by the requirement of standing to sue, which ensures that a plaintiff is a proper party to request judicial resolution.12

To initiate a lawsuit, a party must generally meet the following criteria:

• Legal Capacity: Adult individuals generally have the capacity to sue unless they are mentally incapacitated. Minors or those deemed mentally incompetent must typically act through a parent or guardian.1
• Real Party in Interest: A plaintiff must have a personal stake in the outcome, meaning they have suffered an injury that can be remedied by the court. They must own or claim to own the right or obligation under suit.12
• Proper Party: The dispute must be presented in an adversary context capable of judicial resolution. Courts generally reject suits based on generalized grievances about government conduct.2

Corporations and groups may also assert rights in court. Additionally, the U.S. legal system allows for class actions, where a limited number of individuals sue to represent a larger group sharing the same legal situation.1