writ of summons

noun

, Law.

1. a writ requiring one to appear in court to answer a complaint.

Word History and Origins

Origin of writ of summons¹

First recorded in 1835–45

Example Sentences

Two days after the child was killed, Corcoran filed a writ of summons attempting to have Siderio named as administrator of his son’s estate, according to the petition — without having even met with or spoken to Siderio about the matter.

From Seattle Times

The writ of summons received by Binder and Mardini was missing a page.

From New York Times

“A party may email a complaint and writ of summons or a subpoena,” Frosh said in a statement.

From Washington Post

After the Senate is “organized”, the rules decree, “a writ of summons shall issue to the person impeached, reciting said articles, and notifying him to appear before the Senate upon a day and at a place to be fixed by the Senate”.

From The Guardian

In a much slimmer filing, the White House replied to a congressional writ of summons notifying Trump of the charges against him and inviting him to attend the trial.

From The Guardian