Which instrument is a written court order to appear at a designated place and time to hear charges?

• A. Subpoena duces tecum
• B. Summons
• C. Deposition
• D. Interrogatories

Answer: (B)

A summons is the formal court order that commands a person to appear at a specific time and place to hear or respond to charges. It is issued by the court and served on the person, directing them to come to court on the designated date. This directly fits the description of requiring appearance to hear charges.

Subpoena duces tecum can require a person to produce documents or records, and may also require appearance, but its primary purpose is documentation, not merely to hear charges. A deposition is sworn testimony given outside the courtroom for discovery purposes, not a requirement to appear in court to face charges. Interrogatories are written questions that must be answered in writing, not an appearance in court.