What legal document informs a defendant of impending court action?

A summons is the legal document that informs a defendant of impending court action. It serves as a formal notice that the person is being brought to court to respond to a complaint or charge. The purpose of a summons is to advise the defendant of the nature of the proceedings and to compel their appearance in court. It typically includes information about the time and place of the court hearing and outlines what the defendant is required to do in response.

Other legal documents mentioned do serve important roles but differ in function. A subpoena compels an individual to appear in court or produce evidence, but it does not directly inform someone of a legal action against them. A warrant is an order from a judge authorizing law enforcement to take specific action, typically related to arrest or search, rather than notifying parties of court actions. An indictment is a formal charge or accusation of a serious crime, but it is typically issued after a grand jury reviews evidence, rather than as a preliminary communication to the defendant regarding upcoming court proceedings.