Which of the following best describes a pleading?

A pleading refers specifically to a formal document submitted to a court that outlines the claims or defenses of a party. It acts as a written complaint or response that sets forth the issues in a case. In the context of litigation, a plaintiff will file a pleading to initiate a lawsuit, typically called a complaint, while the defendant will respond with an answer or other responsive pleading. This written submission is crucial as it provides the court with the necessary information to understand the dispute and prepare for further legal proceedings.

The other options describe different legal concepts. A summary of evidence is not a pleading, but rather a collection of facts presented in a case, often used during trials or hearings. A verbal agreement between parties refers to an informal contract or understanding and does not meet the formal requirements of a pleading. A formal legal ruling by a judge is a judgment or order, which comes after the pleading stage rather than being a pleading itself. Therefore, the best description of a pleading as a legal concept is indeed a written complaint or response.