What is typically included in a summons?

A summons is a legal document that serves to notify a person that a legal action has been initiated against them and outlines the requirement for the person to respond to the complaint or petition filed in court. The primary function of the summons is to provide sufficient notice to the defendant about the proceedings, thereby upholding their right to due process.

The correct choice emphasizes this notification aspect by indicating that it includes a request for a response from the individual being summoned. This is crucial, as it establishes a timeline within which the defendant must answer the complaint, allowing the legal process to proceed.

Other options, while related to the legal process, do not pertain directly to the core purpose of a summons. For instance, details about the trial date and instructions for filing appeals are typically addressed in separate documents or during different stages of the legal process. Similarly, evidence presented in court is not included in a summons, as it pertains to the evidentiary phase of the trial rather than the initial notice of the legal action itself.