Requests to appear in court

If someone is required to appear in court, they will receive a phone call or letter from Crown or defence counsel or the court. Who sends the letter will depend on why they are being asked to appear. They will also usually receive a legal document such as:

• A subpoena
• A juror summons
• A summons
• An appearance notice

Some examples of the types of documents someone could receive, depending on why they are required in court, are listed below:

• A victim or witness to crime could receive a subpoena
• Someone called for jury duty will receive a juror summons
• An accused could receive a summons or an appearance notice

To learn more, see court appearance notices.

Documents requiring attendance at court will include the court location and date and time of the hearing.

When someone receives a request to attend court as a witness, they will be given instructions to contact the witness notifier to confirm they received notification and to confirm your attendance.

Anyone who receives a legal document notifying them to appear in court must attend on the specified date and time. If they do not, they could be charged with contempt of court.

For more information

See:

• The court case (Victim)
• The court case (Witness)
• Going to court (Adult accused)
• Going to court (Youth accused)