What action is taken when someone is ordered to appear in court for doing something illegal?

The term "summon" accurately describes the action of formally ordering someone to appear in court. When a court issues a summons, it serves as a legal notice requiring the individual to appear and answer charges or participate in legal proceedings. This is a fundamental aspect of the judicial process, ensuring that individuals are informed of legal actions against them and providing them an opportunity to defend themselves.

The other options reflect different legal actions but do not convey the same meaning as a summons. "Release" refers to letting someone go from custody, typically after an arrest, which does not apply when someone is being ordered to appear in court. "Cite" usually pertains to issuing a citation for a minor violation, which can be part of the process but is not the order to appear itself. "Arrest" involves detaining a person because they are suspected of committing a crime, which is a different legal process and does not involve the formal notification required to appear in court.