Subpoena

Definition

A subpoena is a court-issued command requiring a person to appear as a witness (subpoena ad testificandum) or produce documents and tangible evidence (subpoena duces tecum). Failure to comply with a subpoena without a valid legal excuse can result in contempt of court sanctions. Under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 45, a subpoena must be served within certain geographic limits and may be challenged through a motion to quash if it is unreasonable, oppressive, or requires disclosure of privileged information.

Example

A party serves a subpoena duces tecum on a bank, requiring it to produce all financial records related to the defendant's accounts. The bank must comply or file a motion to quash.