Issue a summons Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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issue a summons

[ˈsʌmənz ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Verb}

legal

To officially order someone to appear in court or to answer a legal charge.

Synonyms

call, cite, summon.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
issue a summons	Primarily used in legal settings where a formal notice is given to a person to appear in court. The police officer had to issue a summons to the driver for failing to appear at the court hearing.
summon	Often used in formal or serious contexts to command someone to appear somewhere, sometimes having an authoritative tone. The king decided to summon his council before making the final decision. The manager will summon the team for an urgent meeting.
call	Used in everyday language to request someone to come to a place or to communicate with someone via phone. It lacks the formal and legal connotations. I need to call my friend to meet up for dinner. Could you call the plumber to fix the leak?
cite	Typically used in both an academic context, referring to references, and in legal contexts, meaning to officially summon someone to court. The professor asked us to cite our sources in the research paper. The officer cited him for driving over the speed limit.

Examples of usage

The judge issued a summons for the witness to testify in the trial.
The police officer issued a summons for the driver to appear in traffic court.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Legal Context

A summons is an official document that tells someone they need to appear in court, like an invitation to a very important meeting.
Not responding to a summons can lead to serious consequences, including a default judgment against the person who didn’t show up.
Different types of summons exist, such as civil summons for lawsuits and criminal summons for those accused of crimes.

Cultural Significance

Summons have been a part of legal systems since ancient times, reflecting society's need for order and accountability.
Literature often portrays the drama and tension surrounding summonses, showcasing characters grappling with legal consequences.
In films, receiving a summons often serves as a plot twist, highlighting a character’s ties to law and conflict.

Psychological Impact

Receiving a summons can evoke anxiety and stress, often linked to feelings of obligation and potential consequences.
People may react differently when faced with a summons: some may feel compelled to comply, while others may resist due to fear.
Cognitive biases can influence how one interprets a summons, impacting their emotional response and decision-making.

Modern Usage

In contemporary legal practice, summonses can also be issued electronically, reflecting the growing role of technology in law.
Social media platforms sometimes metaphorically 'issue summons' when they call out users for misconduct, creating public accountability.
The use of summonses varies by jurisdiction, with different rules and standards governing their issuance and response.

Origin of 'issue a summons'

Main points about word origin

The word 'summons' comes from the Latin 'summonere', which means 'to call together' or 'to bring before'.
The term 'issue' in this context derives from the Old French 'issur', meaning 'to go out, to come forth'.
Together, the phrase emphasizes the act of calling someone forward within legal processes.

The word 'summons' originated from Middle English and Old French, ultimately deriving from Latin 'summonere', meaning 'to remind privately'. It has been used in legal contexts since the 14th century, evolving to its current meaning of an official order to appear.