What is the fundamental purpose of a summons?

The fundamental purpose of a summons is to require appearance in court. A summons is a legal document issued by a court that notifies a defendant that they are being sued or that a legal proceeding has been initiated against them. It specifies the time frame within which the defendant must respond to the complaint and informs them of their obligation to appear in court. This requirement is crucial as it ensures that the defendant has the opportunity to defend themselves and engage in the legal process, thereby upholding the principles of due process.

While notifying the parties of court dates and initiating a claim are essential aspects of the legal process, these functions are secondary to the primary aim of compelling a defendant to respond and appear in court. Similarly, facilitating settlement is a broader goal of the legal system but not the direct purpose of a summons itself. The summons lays the groundwork for the legal proceedings by officially engaging the parties involved.