A summons is a legal document issued by a court that notifies a person that they are required to appear in court. It typically includes details about the case, such as the names of the parties involved, the court's location, and the date and time of the required appearance. Summonses are often used in civil cases, such as disputes over contracts or property. When a summons is served, it is usually delivered by a process server or law enforcement officer. Failing to respond to a summons can lead to legal consequences, including a default judgment against the person who did not appear. This makes it important for recipients to take summonses seriously and respond appropriately.