What is the legal term for a court order requiring a person to appear in court?

The legal term for a court order requiring a person to appear in court is a summons. A summons is a document issued by a court that notifies an individual of a legal action against them and compels their appearance before the court. It typically includes essential details such as the time and location of the court appearance and the nature of the legal proceedings.

A subpoena is related but differs in that it is often associated with requiring an individual to provide testimony or produce evidence, rather than solely to appear in court for a legal action against them. A warrant is a different type of order, usually related to law enforcement, authorizing the arrest of an individual or the search of property. An indictment, meanwhile, is a formal accusation of a crime that typically follows a grand jury's decision and does not function as a summon to appear in court.

Understanding the distinct roles these legal terms play is crucial for clarity in legal contexts. Thus, the term "summons" accurately captures the requirement for a person to appear in court.