What is a summons?

A summons is defined as an official order to appear before a magistrate or in a court. It typically notifies an individual that they are required to attend a legal proceeding or respond to a complaint. The purpose of a summons is to inform the person that a legal action is being initiated against them and to provide the details regarding when and where to appear. This is particularly important because it upholds the due process rights of the individual, allowing them an opportunity to respond or defend against the claims made.

In contrast, a warrant for arrest is used to authorize law enforcement to take someone into custody, while a citation is usually linked to minor offenses like traffic violations and serves as a notice to appear in court without the need for arrest. An arrest record documents the occurrence of an arrest and the related details but does not serve the purpose of summoning an individual to court. Thus, the identification of a summons as an order to appear before a magistrate encapsulates its legal function accurately.