A Rule 12(b)(6) motion to dismiss addresses whether the complaint states a claim. Which statement accurately describes the appropriate approach to such a motion?

• A. The court may consider extrinsic evidence to decide.
• B. The court may not weigh evidence or test facts; it relies on the pleadings.
• C. The court can grant summary judgment at this stage.
• D. The court should rely only on the pleadings and assume the facts as true.

Answer: (D)

A Rule 12(b)(6) motion focuses on whether the complaint states a claim, not on proving the claim. When deciding such a motion, the court confines itself to the pleadings—the complaint itself and any documents attached to it or incorporated by reference—and treats the plaintiff’s factual allegations as true for purposes of the motion. The court does not weigh evidence, test facts, or resolve conflicting assertions at this stage; those steps belong to discovery and trial. The allegations must be enough to plausibly show a claim for relief, not merely a possibility. Granting summary judgment would be premature here because that requires evidence beyond the pleadings. So, relying only on the pleadings and assuming the facts as true best captures how a 12(b)(6) ruling is made.