What is a court order commanding a person to appear in court called?

The term that refers to a court order commanding a person to appear in court is known as a summons. A summons serves as a formal notification to an individual that they are required to attend court, typically related to a civil or criminal proceeding. The summons will detail the time and place of the court appearance, and it may accompany other legal documents, such as a complaint in a civil case.

In contrast, a subpoena is a different type of order, usually used to command an individual to testify or produce evidence in court. A complaint is the document that initiates a legal action, outlining the plaintiff’s case against the defendant. An affidavit is a written statement confirmed by oath, used as evidence in court but does not command a person to appear. Understanding the distinct roles of these terms is essential in legal proceedings, emphasizing the importance of knowing what each document requires from the parties involved.