Subpoena

In one sentence

A court order requiring someone to testify in court or produce documents or evidence.

Plain English

A subpoena is an official command from the court telling someone they must appear and testify at trial, a deposition, or a hearing, or they must produce specific documents or evidence. If you ignore a subpoena, you can be held in contempt of court and face fines or jail time. There are two main types: a subpoena to testify and a subpoena duces tecum (which requires producing documents).

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Example

A lawyer issues a subpoena requiring the defendant's former employee to testify about what she witnessed, or face legal consequences for non-compliance.

Used in a sentence

“The witness received a subpoena ordering her to appear in court on Monday.”

Related terms

Deposition

A formal out-of-court questioning of a witness or party under oath, with a transcript recorded.

Voir Dire

The questioning process used to select impartial jurors for a trial.

Impeachment

Attacking a witness's credibility or reliability by presenting contradictory evidence.

incriminating statement

A statement made by someone that suggests they committed a crime or participated in criminal activity.

Affidavit

A written statement sworn under oath before an authorized official, used as evidence in court.

Discovery

The legal process where parties exchange information and evidence before trial.

Class Action

A lawsuit where one person or group sues on behalf of many people with similar claims.

This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney.