What is the term for a written notification issued by a court directing a defendant to respond to charges?

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The term for a written notification issued by a court directing a defendant to respond to charges is a summons. A summons serves formal notice to the defendant that a legal action has been initiated against them and provides instructions on how to respond. It typically includes information regarding the court where the case is filed, the parties involved, and the timeframe in which the defendant must answer the claims.

Other terms, while related to legal processes, have different meanings. A subpoena is a document that orders an individual to appear and testify in a legal proceeding or to produce documents relevant to the case. A complaint is the initial pleading filed by a plaintiff that outlines the basis of the lawsuit and the relief sought. A writ is a formal order issued by a court directing someone to perform or refrain from performing a specific act, but it does not serve the same purpose as a summons in terms of notifying a defendant of charges. Understanding these distinctions is crucial in the context of legal terminology and the functions of various legal documents within the judicial system.

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