Opinion ID: 2982814
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: standard of review

Text: Because “the sufficiency of a complaint is a question of law,” we review de novo a ruling on a motion to dismiss under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 12(b)(6). Ctr. for Bio-Ethical Reform, Inc. v. Napolitano, 648 F.3d 365, 369 (6th Cir. 2011). Like the inquiry required of the district court, appellate review of a motion to dismiss “consider[s] the factual allegations in [the] complaint to determine if they plausibly suggest an entitlement to relief.” Id. (quoting Ashcroft v. Iqbal, 556 U.S. 662, 681 (2009)). Courts must accept as true the factual allegations pleaded in the complaint. Id. On the other hand, “conclusory recitals of the elements of a claim, including legal conclusions couched as factual allegations” need not be accepted. Id. This Court “may 2 The January 2008 Letter stated in closing, “you can expect us to continue to conduct ourselves with scrupulous honesty, keep our capital side-by-side with yours, and work ever more diligently to affirm your trust.” (R. 5-6 at 337.) 9 No. 14-1398 affirm the district court’s dismissal of Plaintiffs’ claims on any grounds, including those not relied on by the district court.” Zaluski v. United American Healthcare Corp., 527 F.3d 564, 570 (6th Cir. 2008). In cases arising under diversity jurisdiction, we must apply “the substantive law of the forum state.” Conlin v. Mortg. Elec. Registration Sys. Inc., 714 F.3d 355, 358 (6th Cir. 2013). The present case was originally filed in Michigan state court and the parties agree that Michigan law applies. The decisions of Michigan’s highest court are binding on this Court in applying Michigan law, and “[i]ntermediate state appellate courts’ decisions are also viewed as persuasive.” Id. (quoting Savedoff v. Access Grp., Inc., 524 F.3d 754, 762 (6th Cir. 2008)).