The defendant in a lawsuit must be served (delivered) a summons or citation (an order from the court to appear and answer the lawsuit) and a copy of the lawsuit (1) to provide due process (fairness) by giving the defendant notice of the lawsuit and the opportunity to appear in court and defend the lawsuit; and (2) to give the court personal jurisdiction (authority) over the defendant.
In Missouri, the process of serving a defendant with a summons or citation, along with a copy of the lawsuit, is a critical step in the legal process. This procedure ensures that the defendant is given proper notice of the lawsuit and the chance to appear in court to defend against the claims. The service of process must be conducted in a manner prescribed by Missouri law to provide due process and to establish the court's personal jurisdiction over the defendant. Missouri law allows for various methods of service, including personal service by a sheriff or process server, service by mail, or in some cases, service by publication if the defendant cannot be located. The specific rules for service of process are detailed in the Missouri Rules of Civil Procedure. Failure to properly serve a defendant can result in delays or the dismissal of the lawsuit, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the correct procedures.