Who typically delivers a summons to the defendant?

• A. Judge
• B. Sheriff
• C. Police Chief
• D. Court Clerk

Answer: (B)

Service of process is the step where a defendant is officially notified of a legal action. The sheriff’s office is the typical agent for this task because it is the official agency empowered to locate individuals, serve papers, and provide a formal return of service that documents when and how delivery occurred. This role fits the duty of ensuring due process by getting the summons into the defendant’s hands and recording proof of service.

The other roles don’t usually perform this delivery. A judge issues the summons and presides over the case but does not hand it to the defendant. A court clerk may prepare and issue the summons, but the actual physical delivery is handled by the sheriff or, in some places, a private process server. Police chiefs are focused on enforcing laws and responding to incidents; they may assist in certain situations, but delivering routine civil process is not their standard function.

That combination makes the sheriff the best answer for who typically delivers a summons.