Who is permitted to serve a summons?

The correct answer is based on the legal framework surrounding the process of serving a summons. In most jurisdictions, including Maricopa County, individuals who can deliver legal documents such as a summons must be properly authorized to do so. This typically includes sheriffs, constables, private process servers who are licensed, or other individuals appointed specifically for that purpose. This requirement ensures that the documents are served in a manner that complies with legal standards and helps maintain the integrity of the judicial process.

While it may seem permissible for other individuals, such as friends or family, to serve documents, the law usually disallows this to prevent potential conflicts of interest, intimidation, or bias in the serving process. Licensed attorneys are indeed qualified to handle legal matters, but they are not the only ones permitted to serve a summons. Therefore, the specificity of sheriffs, constables, private process servers, or appointed persons being authorized aligns with the need for professional and impartial service of process.