The issuance of a summons in a civil case refers to the process by which the court officially generates the legal document and authorizes its delivery to the defendant.

The summons is typically issued by the court clerk or a judicial officer upon the request of the plaintiff (the party initiating the lawsuit). Once the summons is issued, it is then served to the defendant in accordance with the prescribed rules and procedures.

The issuance of the summons marks the formal beginning of the legal action and notifies the defendant of their legal obligations and the need to respond to the lawsuit within the specified time frame.