A court summons is a legal document that notifies a person that they are required to appear in court. It typically includes details such as the date, time, and location of the court hearing, as well as the reason for the summons. This document is often issued in civil or criminal cases and serves to inform the recipient of their legal obligations. Receiving a court summons means that the individual may be involved in a legal matter, either as a defendant or a witness. It is important to respond to a summons promptly, as failing to do so can result in legal consequences, such as a default judgment or a warrant for arrest.