Plain-English Definition
An official court document that tells a defendant they are being sued and must respond within a specific time.
Legal Meaning
A formal court document that notifies a defendant of a lawsuit and the deadline to respond. The summons is served with the complaint and establishes the court's authority over the defendant.
Etymology Review
From Old French somondre and Latin summonere, meaning “to remind, warn, or call up.” A summons calls a person to appear or respond.
Misuse Warning
Ignoring a summons does not make the case go away. It can result in a default judgment against you. You must respond within the deadline stated in the summons.
Boundary Note
Lexicon provides general legal and procedural information for educational purposes. It does not provide legal advice, legal representation, legal interpretation for a specific case, strategy, document preparation, or professional judgment. Meanings can vary by jurisdiction, facts, and procedural posture.