What is the difference between a summons and a complaint?

A summons and a complaint are documents associated with a legal court case. They are both legal documents served to the defendant, informing them of the case and notifying them of their obligations. A summons is a document issued by the court informing the defendant that they are being sued and of the date they must appear in court. It will also direct the defendant to answer the complaint and list all the applicable deadlines they must meet. A complaint, on the other hand, is the document which provides the court with the details of the case. It outlines the dispute between the plaintiff and the defendant, including details such as the time frame of the alleged wrongdoings, the damages that have been suffered, witnesses and other evidence. Overall, a summons is a court document that requires a defendant to appear in court and to answer the complaint. The complaint, however, is the document that outlines the details of the case and the legal remedy being sought. In Mississippi, both documents must be served to the defendant in order for the case to move forward.

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What is the difference between a summons and a complaint?

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