Subpoena
Phonetic Pronunciation: /suh-PEE-nuh/
In-Depth Legal Analysis & Doctrinal Background
There are two primary types of subpoenas: Subpoena Ad Testificandum (commanding a person to appear and testify in court or at a deposition) and Subpoena Duces Tecum (commanding the recipient to bring or produce tangible documents, records, emails, or electronic evidence). Willful failure to comply constitutes contempt of court.
Real-World Legal Scenario
"A criminal defense attorney serves a subpoena duces tecum on a municipal transit agency demanding surveillance video recordings from a bus stop during the precise time a robbery allegedly occurred."
Federal vs. State Jurisdictional Considerations
Issued under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 45 or Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 17 in federal actions, and state procedural statutes in state actions.
Related Legal Concepts
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