Summons vs. Summonses — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 27, 2024
"Summons" is a legal document issued to require someone's appearance in court, while "summonses" is the plural form, referring to multiple instances or documents of this nature.
Difference Between Summons and Summonses
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A summons is a formal notice given to an individual, requiring their presence at a court proceeding. It serves a critical function in the legal process, ensuring that parties involved are properly notified and given the opportunity to present their case or defense. The term "summons" can be used both as a singular noun, referring to one such notice, and as a non-count noun, referring to the concept of summoning in a legal context.
When referring to multiple legal notices or instances where individuals are required to appear in court, the term "summonses" is used. This plural form indicates that more than one person is being called to court, or that an individual has received multiple notices for separate court appearances. The transition from "summons" to "summonses" in legal documentation and discussion is important for clarity, ensuring that the communication accurately reflects the number of notices issued.
In legal practice, the issuance of a summons or multiple summonses follows specific procedural rules. These documents must contain certain information, including the legal authority under which they are issued, the court where the appearance is required, and details about the time and reason for the court appearance. Failure to comply with a summons can lead to legal penalties, emphasizing the importance of understanding and responding appropriately to such notices.
The use of "summonses" is particularly common in legal settings where multiple parties are involved, or in cases where an individual faces several charges or legal actions simultaneously. This distinction helps legal professionals, and the parties involved maintain clarity regarding the proceedings and ensures that all necessary legal steps are followed.
Despite their specific legal contexts, both "summons" and "summonses" are integral to the judiciary process, facilitating fair and orderly legal proceedings by guaranteeing that all involved parties are duly informed and given the opportunity to participate.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A legal document ordering someone to appear in court.
The plural form of summons, indicating multiple legal notices.
Use
Singular form used for a single notice.
Plural form used for multiple notices.
Purpose
To notify an individual of the need to appear in court for a specific case.
To indicate that multiple individuals are required to appear, or one individual has multiple cases.
Legal Requirement
Contains details about the court appearance, including time and reason.
Each summons in the plural form must individually contain these legal requirements.
Consequence of Non-compliance
Can lead to legal penalties such as fines or arrest.
Each summons carries its own set of potential penalties for non-compliance.
Context
Typically used when discussing a single case or legal action.
Used when discussing several cases or legal actions, either against multiple individuals or a single individual with multiple notices.
Compare with Definitions
Summons
Can be for various legal reasons.
The businessman was issued a summons for a contractual dispute.
Summonses
Each summons within "summonses" carries legal weight.
Failing to respond to any of the summonses could result in fines.
Summons
Informs about legal rights and obligations.
The summons included instructions on how to respond.
Summonses
Multiple instances of legal notices.
The officer issued summonses to all parties involved in the case.
Summons
A legal notice requiring court appearance.
She received a summons for jury duty.
Summonses
Reflects complexity or scope of legal actions.
The series of summonses indicated the serious nature of the legal proceedings.
Summons
Issued by a court or legal authority.
The court's summons detailed the date and time of the hearing.
Summonses
Indicates several court requirements.
He was overwhelmed by the number of summonses received.
Summons
Essential for legal proceedings.
Responding to a summons is mandatory to avoid penalties.
Summonses
Requires careful management and response.
Their lawyer helped them navigate the requirements of the multiple summonses.
Summons
A summons (also known in England and Wales as a claim form and in the Australian state of New South Wales as a court attendance notice (CAN)) is a legal document issued by a court (a judicial summons) or by an administrative agency of government (an administrative summons) for various purposes.
Summonses
A call by an authority to appear, come, or do something.
Summons
A call by an authority to appear, come, or do something.
Summonses
An order or process directing a person, especially a defendant in a case, to appear in court.
Summons
An order or process directing a person, especially a defendant in a case, to appear in court.
Summonses
An order or process directing a person to report to court as a potential juror.
Summons
An order or process directing a person to report to court as a potential juror.
Summonses
To order to appear in or report to court by means of a summons
The defendant was summonsed to the district court.
Summons
To order to appear in or report to court by means of a summons
The defendant was summonsed to the district court.
Summonses
To serve with a summons.
Summons
To serve with a summons.
Summonses
Plural of summons
Summons
A call to do something, especially to come.
Summons
(legal) A notice summoning someone to appear in court, as a defendant, juror or witness.
Summons
(military) A demand for surrender.
Summons
(transitive) To serve someone with a summons.
Summons
The act of summoning; a call by authority, or by the command of a superior, to appear at a place named, or to attend to some duty.
Special summonses by the king.
This summons . . . unfit either to dispute or disobey.
He sent to summon the seditious, and to offer pardon; but neither summons nor pardon was regarded.
Summons
A warning or citation to appear in court; a written notification signed by the proper officer, to be served on a person, warning him to appear in court at a day specified, to answer to the plaintiff, testify as a witness, or the like.
Summons
A demand to surrender.
Summons
To summon.
Summons
A request to be present;
They came at his bidding
Summons
An order to appear in person at a given place and time
Summons
A writ issued by authority of law; usually compels the defendant's attendance in a civil suit; failure to appear results in a default judgment against the defendant
Summons
Call in an official matter, such as to attend court
Common Curiosities
How does "summonses" differ from "summons"?
"Summonses" is simply the plural of "summons," indicating more than one legal notice or document.
What should I do if I receive multiple summonses?
If you receive multiple summonses, it's advisable to consult with a legal professional to understand your obligations and prepare your responses.
Can a business receive a summons?
Yes, businesses can also receive summonses for legal matters pertaining to their operations or compliance with laws.
What is a summons?
A summons is a legal document that orders an individual to appear in court on a specified date and time for a legal proceeding.
What information is included in a summons?
A summons includes information about the court appearance, such as the court's name, case number, and details about when and why the recipient must appear.
Do summonses expire?
Summonses have specified dates for court appearances. Failure to respond can lead to penalties, but the legal process may set new dates as necessary.
Can the same person receive multiple summonses?
Yes, an individual can receive multiple summonses if they are involved in several cases or legal actions.
How is a summons different from a subpoena?
A summons orders someone to appear in court, while a subpoena can also require the production of documents or evidence.
Can I ignore a summons?
Ignoring a summons can result in legal penalties, including fines or arrest, so it's important to respond appropriately.
How are summonses delivered?
Summonses are typically delivered in person, by mail, or by a legal officer, ensuring the recipient is officially notified.
Are there different types of summonses?
Yes, summonses can vary based on the legal matter at hand, such as civil, criminal, or administrative proceedings.
What is the significance of issuing a summons?
Issuing a summons is a critical step in the legal process, ensuring parties involved are formally notified and given the chance to present their case.
How do courts track compliance with summonses?
Courts maintain records of issued summonses and track responses or appearances to ensure compliance with legal requirements.
What happens after a summons is issued?
After a summons is issued, the recipient must prepare to appear in court or respond as directed to participate in the legal process.
Can summonses be contested?
The basis of a summons can be contested in court, but the summons itself should not be ignored. Legal advice is recommended.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
