What must a plaintiff file to initiate a claim in the District Court?

To initiate a claim in the District Court, a plaintiff must file a claim and statement of claim. This is fundamental in civil procedure as it formally commences legal proceedings and outlines the plaintiff's case against the defendant. The claim provides an overview of the issues, while the statement of claim details the specific allegations and the relief sought. This comprehensive filing is essential for establishing the jurisdiction of the court and ensuring that the defendant is properly informed of the case being brought against them.

In contrast, the other options serve different purposes within the legal process. A notice of appeal is applicable when a party wishes to contest a decision made by a lower court and does not initiate a new claim. A writ of summons is traditionally used in the Supreme Court to commence proceedings but is not the required document for initiating a claim in the District Court. Lastly, an affidavit of service is a document that confirms legal papers have been properly served to the other party, but it does not initiate a claim itself. Thus, the requirement of filing a claim and statement of claim is crucial for the correct start of legal proceedings in the District Court.