This lecture on federal civil procedure outlines the initial stages of litigation. It begins by explaining jurisdiction, focusing on the court's power over parties (personal jurisdiction) and the types of cases it can hear (subject matter jurisdiction). The discussion then moves to venue, detailing where a case should be properly filed for trial. The lecture further examines pleadings, covering the initial complaint and the defendant's response, including motions and answers. Finally, it addresses the process of amending pleadings, which allows for changes as a case progresses. The goal is to provide a foundational understanding of these crucial procedural elements.