summons

A summons is a legal document issued by a court or other authority that directs a person to appear before the court at a specified time and place or to respond to a legal action. It serves to notify an individual of the action and to establish the court's jurisdiction over the matter.

In civil procedure, a summons is typically issued with a complaint and informs the defendant of the action, the court, the deadline to file an answer, and any deadlines for other defenses or motions. Depending on jurisdiction, a summons may be called a summons with notice or a summons ad respondendum; in some systems a separate citation or process serves a similar function.

Service of the summons, called service of process, is the formal delivery to the defendant and must follow rules that govern who may serve, how it may be delivered (in person, by mail with acknowledgment, or by publication), and when it becomes effective. Proper service is required for the court to hear the case; improper service can lead to delays or dismissal. After service, the defendant typically must respond within a stated period, or risk entry of default judgment.

In other contexts, the term may be used to refer to a notice to appear in criminal proceedings in some jurisdictions, or more generally to any formal calling to attend or participate. The concept also appears in non-legal domains, such as ceremonial calls or fictional genres, where it signifies an invitation or summons to action.

See also: subpoena, process server, service of process.