Who must appear in court when a magistrate issues a summons?

• A. The defendant
• B. The arresting officer
• C. The plaintiff
• D. The clerk

Answer: (A)

When a magistrate issues a summons, the purpose is to compel the person charged to appear in court to answer the charges. The summons is directed at the defendant, so the defendant must come to court to respond and participate in the proceedings. The arresting officer, the plaintiff, or the clerk aren’t required to appear simply because a summons is issued—the summons focuses on bringing the defendant before the court. If the officer or plaintiff testifies or is needed for evidence, they may do so, but their appearance isn’t the obligation created by the summons itself.