Summons Legal Meaning and Definition

Here is a simplified definition of the legal term Summons.

Summons (noun): A Summons is an official written notice given by the court. It tells a person (usually called a defendant) that a case has been filed against them. This notice includes details about the case, such as who is suing them (the plaintiff), who the lawyers are, and which court is handling the case. The Summons also lists the steps the defendant needs to take and the time they have to respond. Lastly, it includes a way to track that the defendant has received this notice.