Section 1983 Civil Rights Complaint Template

United States District Court for the [District] of [State]

[Plaintiff Name],
Plaintiff,

v.
[Defendant Name(s)], in their [official/individual] capacities,
Defendant(s).

Case No. [To be assigned]

COMPLAINT

Plaintiff, by counsel, alleges as follows:

I. Jurisdiction and Venue

1. This action arises under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 and the Constitution of the United States.
2. Jurisdiction is proper pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §§ 1331 and 1343.
3. Venue lies in this District under 28 U.S.C. § 1391 because [events occurred/defendants reside] here.

II. Parties

4. Plaintiff [Name] is a resident of [County, State].
5. Defendant [Name] is a [position] employed by [Agency], acting under color of state law at all times relevant.
6. [Additional defendants/agencies, capacity allegations].

III. Factual Allegations

7. On [Date], Plaintiff was [describe incident with factual detail].
8. Defendant(s) [specific actions/omissions].
9. Plaintiff suffered [injuries/damages], including [medical, emotional, economic losses].
10. [Describe policies/customs, prior incidents, failure to train/supervise if Monell claims].

IV. Causes of Action

Count I – Violation of Fourth Amendment (Excessive Force)

11. Plaintiff realleges paragraphs 1-10.
12. Defendant(s) used unreasonable force against Plaintiff, violating the Fourth Amendment.
13. Plaintiff suffered damages as a result.

Count II – Violation of Fourteenth Amendment (Due Process/Equal Protection)

14. [Describe deprivation, discriminatory intent, or procedural due process violation].

Count III – Monell Liability (if applicable)

15. Defendant [Municipality] maintained policies/customs exhibiting deliberate indifference, causing Plaintiff’s injuries.

Additional Counts

• [Retaliation, First Amendment, Failure to Intervene, Negligent Training under state law, etc.]

V. Damages

16. Plaintiff seeks compensatory damages for physical, emotional, and economic harm.
17. Plaintiff seeks punitive damages against individual defendants for willful and reckless conduct.
18. Plaintiff seeks attorneys’ fees and costs under 42 U.S.C. § 1988.

VI. Jury Demand

19. Plaintiff demands trial by jury on all issues so triable.

VII. Prayer for Relief

WHEREFORE, Plaintiff requests that this Court:
- Enter judgment in Plaintiff’s favor;
- Award compensatory and punitive damages;
- Grant injunctive/declaratory relief [specify if sought];
- Award reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs; and
- Grant such other relief as the Court deems just and proper.

Respectfully submitted,

[Law Firm Name]

By: ________
[Attorney Name] (Bar No. [Number])
[Address]
[Phone]
[Email]

Date: [Date]