Final answer:
Summons is the legal process that mandates a defendant to respond to a civil lawsuit by appearing before the court within a specified timeframe.
Explanation:
Summons is the legal process that requires a defendant to appear before the court and respond to a civil lawsuit. It is an official notification that a lawsuit has been filed against them, giving them the opportunity to answer the allegations made by the plaintiff within a specified timeframe.
Failure to respond to a summons may result in a default judgment in favor of the plaintiff, where the defendant's responsibility is assumed due to their inaction. This process is an essential step in civil litigation that ensures both parties have the chance to present their cases before the court.
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