Which Rule 12(b) addresses failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted?

• A. Rule 12(b)(2) Lack of Jurisdiction Over the Person
• B. Rule 12(b)(3) Improper Venue or Division
• C. Rule 12(b)(6) Failure to State a Claim Upon Which Relief Can Be Granted
• D. Rule 12(b)(7) Failure to Join a Necessary Party

Answer: (C)

This rule is about the sufficiency of the plaintiff’s pleadings. It asks whether the complaint, as written (and any attachments), states a legal claim for which the court could grant relief. When a defendant raises this defense, the court accepts all well‑pleaded facts in the complaint as true and determines whether those facts, if proven, would entitle the plaintiff to some form of relief under the law. If they would not, the claim is dismissed for failing to state a claim. This is the dismissal ground that targets the legal adequacy of the pleadings themselves, not jurisdiction, venue, or the need to join additional parties. In practice, if the defect can be cured, the court often allows amendment rather than a final dismissal.