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The legal basis for bringing a lawsuit is referred to as "cause of action." This term encompasses the set of facts or legal theories that give rise to a right to sue. A cause of action provides the foundation upon which a plaintiff builds their case, indicating the specific grounds for a legal claim. It outlines the requisite elements that must be established for the lawsuit to be successful, such as injury, legal duty, and breach of that duty.

Recognizing the nuances of the other terms helps clarify why "cause of action" is the most appropriate answer here. A defendant is the party being accused in a lawsuit, while a claim refers simply to the assertion of a right or demand for relief, which could be part of the cause of action but is not the full legal basis itself. Causation relates to the relationship between an act and the resulting effect but does not encompass the entire legal framework needed to initiate a lawsuit. Thus, "cause of action" precisely defines the legal standing required to bring legal action.