Which of the following describes a summons?

A summons is a legal document that serves to notify an individual or entity of a court session or proceeding in which they are required to appear. It typically outlines the nature of the case and provides relevant details such as the time and location of the hearing. This notification is crucial, as it ensures that the parties involved are made aware of the legal actions being taken against them and are given the opportunity to respond or participate in the proceedings.

In contrast, a formal request for evidence relates to the process of discovery in legal proceedings, where one party seeks documents or information from another party to support their case. An order to initiate legal action typically refers to the filing of a complaint or petition, which formally starts a lawsuit, while a legal document for a trial outcome generally involves records or judgments that follow after a decision has been reached in a case. Thus, the characterization of a summons as a notification aligns precisely with its purpose in the legal process.