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Subpoena
A subpoena is a written order requiring an individual to testify or provide information to a court or hearing. A person who does not comply with a subpoena may be charged with contempt. Subpoena is derived from the Middle English term suppena and the Latin phrase sub poena which means "under penalty." The power to subpoena a person is granted to officers of the court, such as clerks of courts, attorneys, and judges.[1][2][3]
There are two kinds of subpoenas:
- a subpoena ad testificandum: This type of subpoena commands people to testify before the court or hearing.
- a subpoena duces tecum: In Latin, this means "under penalty to bring with you." This type of subpoena commands people to bring items and display them before the court, such as documents, tape recordings, photos, and guns.[3][4]
See also
Footnotes
- ↑ Wex Legal Dictionary and Encylopedia, "Subpoena definition," accessed December 14, 2015
- ↑ Merriam-Webster Dictionary, "Subpoena definition," accessed December 14, 2015
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 U.S. Legal, "Subpoena definition," accessed December 14, 2015
- ↑ The Free Dictionary, "Subpoena definition," accessed December 14, 2015