Summons vs. Ticket — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 16, 2024
"Summons" is a legal document ordering someone to appear in court, while "ticket" is a notice issued for minor offenses, often involving fines.
Difference Between Summons and Ticket
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
A "summons" is a formal legal document that commands an individual to appear before a court. It is typically used in more serious legal matters and serves as an official notice to the person that they are required to attend a court hearing. On the other hand, a "ticket" is a notice issued by law enforcement for minor offenses, usually traffic violations or parking infractions. A ticket generally includes information about the offense and the fine that must be paid or the date by which the offender must respond.
While a "summons" involves a mandatory court appearance and is often associated with more severe legal implications, a "ticket" typically involves paying a fine and may not necessarily require a court appearance unless contested. For instance, failing to respond to a summons can lead to further legal action, whereas failing to pay a ticket may result in additional fines or penalties.
A "summons" is part of the judicial process and can be issued for various reasons, including civil and criminal cases. Conversely, a "ticket" is usually issued on the spot by police or traffic officers for infractions observed in real-time.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Legal document ordering court appearance
Notice issued for minor offenses, usually involving fines
Severity
More serious legal matters
Minor offenses
ADVERTISEMENT
Legal Process
Part of judicial process
Administrative or minor legal process
Consequences
Mandatory court appearance, potential further legal action
Fine payment, potential additional penalties if ignored
Issuance
By courts or legal authorities
By law enforcement, typically on the spot
Compare with Definitions
Summons
A formal notification of a legal action against someone.
The company received a summons regarding the lawsuit.
Ticket
An official notice of a penalty for breaking a minor law.
The officer handed her a ticket for speeding.
Summons
A legal document requiring a person to appear in court.
He received a summons for jury duty.
Ticket
A minor legal document indicating a violation.
She contested the parking ticket in court.
Summons
An official order to attend a legal proceeding.
She was served with a summons to testify.
Ticket
A paper slip or card indicating that its holder has paid for or is entitled to a specified service, right, or consideration
A theater ticket.
An airline ticket.
Summons
A notice to appear for a legal matter.
The summons indicated the date and time of the hearing.
Ticket
An e-ticket.
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.
Ticket
A certifying document, especially a captain's or pilot's license.
Summons
A call by an authority to appear, come, or do something.
Ticket
An identifying or descriptive tag attached to merchandise; a label.
Summons
An order or process directing a person, especially a defendant in a case, to appear in court.
Ticket
A list of candidates proposed or endorsed by a political party; a slate.
Summons
An order or process directing a person to report to court as a potential juror.
Ticket
A legal notice to a person charged with a violation of law, especially a minor violation.
Summons
To order to appear in or report to court by means of a summons
The defendant was summonsed to the district court.
Ticket
The proper or desirable thing
A change of scene would be just the ticket for us.
Summons
To serve with a summons.
Ticket
(Informal) A means to an end
"He went to Washington ... to become press secretary ... it was his ticket out of the Delta" (Nicholas Lamann).
Summons
A call to do something, especially to come.
Ticket
To provide with a ticket for passage or admission
Ticket all passengers through to Amsterdam.
Summons
(legal) A notice summoning someone to appear in court, as a defendant, juror or witness.
Ticket
To attach a ticket to; tag
Items that are ticketed in a pawnshop window.
Summons
(military) A demand for surrender.
Ticket
To designate for a specified use or end; destine
Funds that have been ticketed for research.
Summons
(transitive) To serve someone with a summons.
Ticket
To serve (a person) with a notice of legal violation
Ticket a speeding motorist.
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.
Ticket
A pass entitling the holder to admission to a show, concert, etc.
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.
Ticket
A pass entitling the holder to board a train, a bus, a plane, or other means of transportation
Summons
A demand to surrender.
Ticket
A citation for a traffic violation.
Summons
To summon.
Ticket
A permit to operate a machine on a construction site.
Summons
A request to be present;
They came at his bidding
Ticket
A service request, used to track complaints or requests that an issue be handled. (Generally technical support related).
Summons
An order to appear in person at a given place and time
Ticket
(informal) A list of candidates for an election, or a particular theme to a candidate's manifesto.
Joe has joined the party's ticket for the county elections.
Joe will be running on an anti-crime ticket.
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
Ticket
A solution to a problem; something that is needed.
That's the ticket.
I saw my first bike as my ticket to freedom.
Summons
Call in an official matter, such as to attend court
Ticket
(dated) A little note or notice.
Summons
A directive from a court or judicial officer.
Failure to respond to the summons can result in a warrant.
Ticket
(dated) A tradesman's bill or account (hence the phrase on ticket and eventually on tick).
Ticket
A label affixed to goods to show their price or description.
Ticket
A certificate or token of a share in a lottery or other scheme for distributing money, goods, etc.
Ticket
(dated) A visiting card.
Ticket
A warrant.
Ticket
A certificate of qualification as a ship's master, pilot, or other crew member.
Ticket
To issue someone a ticket, as for travel or for a violation of a local or traffic law.
Ticket
To mark with a ticket.
To ticket goods in a retail store
Ticket
A small piece of paper, cardboard, or the like, serving as a notice, certificate, or distinguishing token of something.
Ticket
A little note or notice.
He constantly read his lectures twice a week for above forty years, giving notice of the time to his auditors in a ticket on the school doors.
Ticket
A tradesman's bill or account.
Your courtier is mad to take up silks and velvetsOn ticket for his mistress.
Ticket
A certificate or token of right of admission to a place of assembly, or of passage in a public conveyance; as, a theater ticket; a railroad or steamboat ticket.
Ticket
A label to show the character or price of goods.
Ticket
A certificate or token of a share in a lottery or other scheme for distributing money, goods, or the like.
Ticket
A printed list of candidates to be voted for at an election; a set of nominations by one party for election; a ballot.
The old ticket forever! We have it by thirty-four votes.
Ticket
To distinguish by a ticket; to put a ticket on; as, to ticket goods.
Ticket
To furnish with a tickets; to book; as, to ticket passengers to California.
Ticket
A commercial document showing that the holder is entitled to something (as to ride on public transportation or to enter a public entertainment)
Ticket
A summons issued to an offender (especially to someone who violates a traffic regulation)
Ticket
A list of candidates nominated by a political party to run for election to public offices
Ticket
The appropriate or desirable thing;
This car could be just the ticket for a small family
Ticket
Issue a ticket or a fine to as a penalty;
I was fined for parking on the wrong side of the street
Move your car or else you will be ticketed!
Ticket
Provide with a ticket for passage or admission;
Ticketed passengers can board now
Ticket
A notice issued for minor legal infractions, often involving fines.
He got a ticket for running a red light.
Ticket
A written notification of a fine or penalty.
Pay the ticket by the due date to avoid additional charges.
Common Curiosities
What is a ticket?
A ticket is a notice issued for minor offenses, usually involving fines.
What is a summons?
A summons is a legal document that orders an individual to appear in court.
Who issues a ticket?
Tickets are issued by law enforcement officers, often on the spot.
Do you have to go to court for a summons?
Yes, a summons requires you to appear in court.
Who issues a summons?
Summonses are issued by courts or legal authorities.
What happens if you ignore a summons?
Ignoring a summons can result in further legal action or a warrant for arrest.
Do you have to go to court for a ticket?
Usually, no, unless you contest the ticket or fail to pay the fine.
Is a ticket for minor legal issues?
Yes, a ticket is generally for minor infractions like traffic violations.
Is a summons for serious legal matters?
Yes, a summons typically involves more serious legal matters.
Can a summons be contested?
Yes, you can contest a summons in court.
What happens if you ignore a ticket?
Ignoring a ticket can lead to additional fines or penalties.
Can a ticket be contested?
Yes, you can contest a ticket, usually in traffic court.
Does a summons require legal representation?
It may, depending on the legal matter involved.
Does a ticket require legal representation?
Typically, no, but you can choose to have legal representation if contesting the ticket.
What is the main difference between a summons and a ticket?
A summons orders a court appearance for serious legal matters, while a ticket is a notice for minor offenses, usually involving fines.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Small vs. Mini
Next Comparison
Israelites vs. HebrewsAuthor Spotlight
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.
