What is the legal purpose of a summons?

The legal purpose of a summons is to initiate a lawsuit by notifying a defendant that they are being sued. When a plaintiff files a complaint with the court, a summons is issued to formally notify the defendant of the legal action being taken against them. This document informs the defendant of their obligation to respond to the complaint and outlines the timeframe within which they must do so. It is a critical element of due process, ensuring that the defendant is aware of the allegations and has the opportunity to defend themselves in court.

The other options do not accurately reflect the primary function of a summons. While serving legal documents is related, it encompasses more than just a summons, as it can include various types of legal notifications. Providing a verbal warning is not a legal function of a summons, as legal notifications must be written and formally executed. Lastly, the resolution of a legal dispute is an outcome of a lawsuit rather than the initial purpose served by a summons.