What is issued when a plaintiff files a complaint to be heard in small claims court?

When a plaintiff files a complaint to be heard in small claims court, the document that is issued is the magistrate summons. This summons is specifically designed for small claims proceedings and serves to notify the defendant of the legal action being taken against them. It provides the defendant with information about the nature of the complaint, the court in which it will be heard, and the required response time.

The magistrate summons is essential in small claims court because it enables the judicial process to begin and ensures that both parties have the opportunity to present their case. It differs from other types of summons, which are used in various legal contexts, such as civil summonses for general civil cases or subpoenas, which compel a person to testify or produce evidence. The specificity and purpose of the magistrate summons make it the appropriate choice in the context of small claims court.