What information must a plaintiff state in a claim?

The plaintiff must state the nature of the claim in their pleadings because this information provides the court and the defendant with essential details about the basis and grounds for the legal action. By defining the nature of the claim, the plaintiff articulates the specific issues in dispute, the legal principles involved, and the relief sought. This clarity is crucial for the proper administration of justice, as it allows the defendant to understand what they are being accused of and prepares both parties for the legal proceedings that will follow.

The other options, while they might be relevant in different contexts, are not requirements for stating a claim. For instance, the name of the judge is not known at the time of filing the claim as it is assigned later. The expected trial date may not be established until after initial pleadings and scheduling conferences are conducted. Lastly, while understanding the defense's argument may be useful for strategizing, it is not necessary for the plaintiff to include this information in their claim; instead, the focus should remain on articulating their own position and the nature of the dispute.