What does "service of process" refer to in a civil case?

Service of process refers to the procedure by which a party to a legal action formally delivers legal documents to a defendant, ensuring that the defendant is properly notified of the legal proceedings against them. This is a crucial step in civil litigation because it guarantees that the defendant has the opportunity to respond to the complaint and participate in the proceedings.

The importance of service of process lies in its role in upholding the principles of due process, ensuring that individuals are aware of legal actions that might affect their rights or obligations. The legal documents typically delivered include the summons and complaint, which outline the claims being made.

The other options do not accurately describe service of process. Filing a complaint with the court is the initiation of legal action but does not involve notifying the defendant. Notifying the court of a settlement pertains to resolving a case rather than serving documents. Transmitting evidence to the judge is an aspect of presenting a case in court, not related to the notification process involving the defendant.