Which of the following properly notifies a defendant that they are being sued and explains how and when to respond to a complaint?

A) Answer
B) Service document
C) Court report
D) Summons
E) Court docket

Defendant

A person or entity against whom a lawsuit is filed in a court of law.

Summons

A legal document issued by a court and addressed to a defendant that notifies him or her of a lawsuit and specifies how and when to respond to the complaint. A summons may be used in both civil and criminal proceedings.

Service Document

A legal document or form that is served to parties involved in a legal process or transaction, indicating compliance with certain legal procedures or steps.