summons
noun [ C ]
LAW uk/ˈsʌmənz/ usplural summonsesan order for someone to appear in a court of law:
One newspaper reporter was given a summons for disorderly conduct.
They will be issued a summons to appear before the U.S. District Court in Richmond.
Service of the summons does not have to be effected in person; postal service is likely to be sufficient.
issue/serve/send a summons Proctor will be served a summons with a date to appear in court to answer the charges.
receive/get/be given a summons Approximately half of defendants receive a summons rather than being brought into custody.
See also
originating summons
witness summons
writ of summons
summons
verb [ T ]
LAW uk/ˈsʌmənz/ us(also summon)to order someone to appear in a court of law:
Prosecutors summonsed several residents to the Grafton County grand jury.
I have been summoned for jury service and must appear at Middlesex Crown Court on July 31.