In legal terms, what does it mean to "cite" someone?

In legal terminology, to "cite" someone means to officially accuse them or to reference them in a legal context, particularly regarding a violation of law or an obligation to appear before a court. This term often implies that the individual has been named in a legal document or during legal proceedings, indicating they need to respond or take action related to that accusation.

This understanding fits well within the framework of legal proceedings, where citations can lay the groundwork for further legal actions, including charges or summonses. The context of legal language emphasizes the seriousness of being cited, as it often denotes formal recognition of wrongdoing or the necessity of participation in judicial processes.

Other choices do not encapsulate the formal legal implication of "citing," which is central to legal action and proceedings. For instance, releasing someone does not carry the same legal weight or formality as citing, while summoning for jury duty pertains to a specific legal obligation rather than an accusation or legal referencing. Lastly, questioning someone informally lacks the necessary formal structure that is characteristic of what it means to cite someone in a legal sense.