Which term refers to a legal document issued to require a person to appear in court in a lawsuit?

The correct term for a legal document that requires a person to appear in court in a lawsuit is a summons. A summons serves as an official notification to the defendant that they are being sued, outlining the time frame in which they must respond to the complaint. It is an essential part of the legal process, as it ensures that individuals are given the opportunity to defend themselves in court.

In contrast to a summons, a warrant is a different type of legal order, typically issued by a judge, authorizing law enforcement to arrest a person or conduct a search. A complaint is the initial pleading that sets forth the plaintiff's case, detailing their claims against the defendant. An order is a directive issued by the court, which might compel a party to take or refrain from specific actions but does not serve the function of notifying someone of a lawsuit or requiring their presence in court.