Paralegal Certification PrepLitigationEasy
A paralegal is assisting an attorney with a civil lawsuit. The attorney instructs the paralegal to draft a document that formally notifies the defendant of the lawsuit and requires them to appear in court or respond within a specified time frame. Which of the following documents should the paralegal prepare?
- AInterrogatories
- BMotion to compel
- CSummons
- DSubpoena duces tecum
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Summons
A summons is the official document used to notify a defendant of a lawsuit and the requirement to respond. It initiates the court's jurisdiction over the defendant.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Interrogatories are written questions used during discovery.
- B. A motion to compel is filed to force a party to comply with discovery requests.
- D. A subpoena duces tecum compels the production of documents or other evidence.
Summons
A legal document issued by a court that officially notifies a defendant of a lawsuit and compels them to appear in court or respond to the complaint within a specified period.
- Initiates court's jurisdiction over the defendant.
- Must be properly served on the defendant.
- Often accompanied by the complaint.
Memory trick: Summons starts the show, telling the defendant, 'You're in the know!'