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Pro Se 14

Complaint for Violation of Civil Rights (Prisoner)

Federal · United States Courts · Effective December 1, 2016

This form is a Complaint for Violation of Civil Rights used by a prisoner to file a lawsuit in the United States District Court. It asks the court to hear claims that rights secured by the Constitution or federal laws were violated.

Open the official PDFfrom United States Courts

Where this fits in a case

Start a case

Stage: Start a case

This form is used by a person who is a prisoner to start a civil lawsuit alleging that their civil rights were violated by officials.

Usually filed by the person starting the case.

Common questions

Who should fill out this form?
The form is titled for a 'Pro Se' filer, meaning it is for someone representing themselves. The plaintiff fills out the details about themselves and the people they are suing. Great care must be taken to fill out the information accurately. Great care must be taken to fill out the information accurately.
What must I include when I file this?
The complaint must be accompanied by a filing fee or an application to proceed in forma pauperis. The form also notes that the plaintiff does not need to send exhibits, affidavits, or witness statements with the initial complaint. Great care must be taken to fill out the information accurately.

Revision history

No changes recorded since we started tracking this form on October 9, 2026. The current version took effect December 1, 2016.

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