Subpoenas

Subpoenas are legal instruments that compel a person to testify or to produce evidence in a legal proceeding or investigation. They are issued by courts, government agencies, or attorneys and enforceable by law. A subpoena may require a person to appear in court or before a grand jury, or to produce documents, records, or other tangible items.

There are two common types: subpoena ad testificandum, which orders a person to testify, and subpoena duces tecum, which requires the production of documents or other evidence. Some jurisdictions also issue administrative subpoenas in investigations conducted by government agencies.

Issuance and service: Subpoenas are typically issued by a court clerk or by an attorney under the court's authority. They must be properly served on the person or entity named, and in many cases notice to involved parties is required.

Scope and privileges: The subpoena must be reasonably relevant to the case. Certain communications and materials may be protected by privilege (for example, attorney‑client communications or confidential medical records). Courts may require privilege logs or protective orders to limit disclosure.

Compliance and enforcement: Failure to comply can lead to penalties, including contempt of court or fines. A subpoena can be quashed or narrowed by a court if it is overbroad, burdensome, or requests privileged material.

International and general context: Subpoenas exist in many jurisdictions, with procedures and terminology varying by country. They are distinct from summons in civil procedure, which typically requires appearance without producing documents.