What is a subpoena?

What is a subpoena?

• A. A notice to attend a meeting
• B. A request for voluntary disclosure
• C. A legal order requiring testimony or production of documents
• D. A court order for asset seizure

Answer: (C)

A subpoena is a formal legal order that compels someone to appear to give testimony or to produce documents for a case. It’s issued by a court or an attorney and is enforceable, meaning noncompliance can lead to penalties such as contempt of court. There are two common forms: one for requiring testimony, and another for producing records or other evidence. It’s not just a notice to attend a meeting, and it isn’t a voluntary request for disclosure. It also isn’t a court order to seize assets, which is a different type of legal tool.

A subpoena is a formal legal order that compels someone to appear to give testimony or to produce documents for a case. It’s issued by a court or an attorney and is enforceable, meaning noncompliance can lead to penalties such as contempt of court. There are two common forms: one for requiring testimony, and another for producing records or other evidence. It’s not just a notice to attend a meeting, and it isn’t a voluntary request for disclosure. It also isn’t a court order to seize assets, which is a different type of legal tool.