service

1. The delivery of a *writ, *summons, or other document relating to court proceedings. Service may be made by physically handing the document to the person concerned (see *personal service) or it may be delivered to the *address for service supplied by that person (see also *substituted service). Once the document has been formally issued by the court, it must be served within 12 months unless the court allows this period to be extended. In the case of certain motoring offences, such as speeding and careless driving, the police must serve a summons within 14 days unless the accused was warned at the time of the offence that he might be prosecuted or unless they serve a *notice of intended prosecution within 14 days.
2. See *contract of service.