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subpoena
IPA:
Dictionary definition of subpoena
A legal order requiring someone to appear in court or to produce certain documents or evidence.
"The prosecutor decided to subpoena the witness for the trial."
Detailed meaning of subpoena
It is a powerful tool that allows courts to gather information and evidence from individuals or organizations that are not parties to a lawsuit. Subpoenas can be issued by a court, a prosecutor, or an attorney representing one of the parties in a lawsuit. They can be used to compel the attendance of witnesses at trial, to produce documents or other evidence, or to testify under oath. Failure to comply with a subpoena can result in penalties such as fines or even imprisonment.
There are two types of subpoenas: subpoena ad testificandum and subpoena duces tecum. A subpoena ad testificandum requires the person to testify in court or to give a deposition while a subpoena duces tecum requires the person to produce documents or other tangible evidence.
A subpoena is a legally binding order and must be taken seriously. It is important for the person or organization receiving a subpoena to understand their rights and obligations, and to comply with the subpoena in a timely manner. In case there are any objections or concerns, it is important to consult with an attorney who can help navigate the legal process.
Example sentences containing subpoena
1. The judge issued a subpoena for the defendant's financial records.
2. The attorney planned to subpoena the company's CEO to testify.
3. The subpoena arrived at the witness's doorstep unexpectedly.
4. The defense attorney filed a motion to quash the subpoena.
5. The court clerk handed the subpoena to the recipient.
6. The subpoena commanded the individual to appear in court.
History and etymology of subpoena
The noun 'subpoena' has an interesting etymology rooted in Latin. It originates from the Latin phrase 'sub poena,' which can be translated as 'under penalty.' In medieval legal practices, a 'subpoena' was a writ or document issued by a court that summoned an individual to appear and give testimony in a legal proceeding 'under penalty' of contempt of court if they failed to comply. Over time, this Latin term was adopted into English, retaining its essential meaning of a legal order requiring someone to appear in court or to produce certain documents or evidence, with the understanding that non-compliance could result in legal penalties. The etymology of 'subpoena' underscores the coercive power of legal authority in compelling individuals to participate in the judicial process.
Further usage examples of subpoena
1. The lawyer prepared the necessary documents to serve the subpoena.
2. The judge warned that failure to comply with the subpoena could result in contempt charges.
3. The subpoena compelled the witness to produce the requested documents.
4. The lawyer argued that the subpoena was overly burdensome.
5. The recipient of the subpoena sought legal advice on how to respond.
6. The investigator was tasked with serving the subpoena to the suspect.
7. The subpoena required the individual to testify under oath.
8. The court granted the request to issue a subpoena duces tecum.
9. The witness felt anxious upon receiving the subpoena.
10. The prosecutor hoped the subpoena would strengthen their case.
11. The defense attorney tried to challenge the validity of the subpoena.
12. The judge denied the motion to quash the subpoena.
13. The recipient of the subpoena reluctantly complied with the court's order.
14. The lawyer served a subpoena, demanding her client's testimony.
15. The court issued a subpoena for the crucial witness's testimony.
16. They resisted but had to comply with the subpoena's demands.
17. The document requested in the subpoena was highly confidential.
18. The subpoena arrived, summoning him to testify in the trial.
19. She anxiously awaited the response to her issued subpoena.
20. The judge approved the subpoena to access vital financial records.
21. He had to cancel his plans due to the unexpected subpoena.
22. The prosecutor used the subpoena to strengthen the case.
23. Compliance with the subpoena was mandatory under the law.
24. The subpoena compelled him to reveal hidden evidence.
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Prefix sub-, Authority and Control, Choices and Decisions, Obligation and Allegiance, Conflict and Disagreement, Governance and Authority, Law and Order, Legal Terms and Procedures
command,decree,mandate,order,requisition,summon,warrant
request,require,summons
Synonyms for subpoena
Quiz categories containing subpoena
summons, ignore, disregard, reject
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