What constitutes a cause of action?

A cause of action is defined as a set of factual circumstances that gives rise to a legal claim, supported by existing law. It outlines the reasons why a plaintiff believes they are entitled to seek relief or damages from a defendant. The core components that establish a cause of action typically include the facts supporting the claim, the legal foundation, and the specific relief sought.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of a cause of action. An application for a legal defense relates to the response of a defendant to a claim rather than the claim itself. A statement of intent to file a lawsuit indicates a future action but does not represent a fully formed cause of action since the legal claims have not yet been articulated. Finally, a document filed by the court rejecting a case refers to procedural decisions made by the court and doesn't represent the foundational claim that a plaintiff is basing their suit upon.