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Figure 2.3COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTSDISTRICT COURTS OF MASSACHUSETTSCountyESSEX, SSFIRST DISTRICT COURT OF ESSEXCivil Action No. 87-316STEVEN GRAZIO, a minor byMATTHEW GRAZIO, his fatherand next friend,PlaintiffV. COMPLAINT}WAYNE WILLIAMSON, Defendant1. On or about April 10, 20- -, a motor vehicle belongingto the plaintiff, was lawfully standing on North Street,a public highway in the town of Georgetown, county ofEssex, Massachusetts.Name of courtDocket numberPartiesTitle of documentAllegations2. The defendant then and there operated a motorvehicle so negligently, carelessly, and improperly that itran into the plaintiff's automobile and greatlydamaged it.Wherefore the plaintiff demands judgment againstthe defendant in the sum of $3,000 and costs.November 15, 20- -By his attorney,Susan L. Powers28 Main StreetBeverly, MA 01915Relief sought by plaintiffDate of suit important; itmust be before the statuteof limitations expiresName and address ofplaintiff's attorneyA CIVIL COMPLAINTA complaint is the first pleading that is filed ina civil lawsuit. Was this complaint filed in thefederal system or in a state court?Pretrial HearingBefore the actual trial takes place, a pretrial hearing usuallyoccurs. This hearing is an informal meeting before a judge. It isintended to simplify the issues and discuss matters that might help disposeof the case.Chapter 2: The Court System 37