What formal instrument compels a witness to appear in court?

What formal instrument compels a witness to appear in court?

• A. Subpoena
• B. Warrant
• C. Notice
• D. Summons

Answer: (A)

A subpoena is the formal instrument that compels a witness to appear in court. It is a court-issued order requiring the person to attend at a specified time and place to testify, and it can also require the production of documents (subpoena duces tecum). This tool is specifically designed to secure a witness’s presence and testimony. A summons is typically used to bring defendants or parties to court and may not always compel a witness to testify in the same way. A warrant is for arrest or searching, not for compelling testimony, and a notice is too informal to obligate appearance. Violating a subpoena can lead to penalties such as contempt of court.

A subpoena is the formal instrument that compels a witness to appear in court. It is a court-issued order requiring the person to attend at a specified time and place to testify, and it can also require the production of documents (subpoena duces tecum). This tool is specifically designed to secure a witness’s presence and testimony. A summons is typically used to bring defendants or parties to court and may not always compel a witness to testify in the same way. A warrant is for arrest or searching, not for compelling testimony, and a notice is too informal to obligate appearance. Violating a subpoena can lead to penalties such as contempt of court.