Opinion ID: 199631
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Standard for Granting a Motion to Dismiss

Text: 30 The purpose of a motion to dismiss is to determine whether the complaint alleges facts sufficient to state a cause of action. Beddall, 137 F.3d at 17. In deciding on the motion, the court is to assume all plaintiffs' allegations are true and make all reasonable inferences in favor of the plaintiffs. Id. at 16. 31 Appellants assert that the district court erred in granting appellee's motion to dismiss because the complaint is legally sufficient. In light of the 1998 Settlement Agreement, however, which became part of the pleadings for the 12(b)(6) motion, as discussed above, and the district court's finding that the agreement was unambiguous and released St. Paul from liability as a matter of law, appellee cannot be held liable by appellants for these claims. Therefore, the plaintiffs' complaint did fail to state a claim upon which relief could be granted.