Summons is an order served (delivered) by a sheriff or other officer of a court. The summons notifies the person named in it that a complaint has been made and that the person must come to court to answer it. A summons may be used instead of an arrest for traffic violations or other minor offenses. If a person does not come to court, the court can have that person arrested. A summons also may be issued by other governmental agencies, such as congressional committees. See also Subpoena ; Writ .
