What is the purpose of a subpoena?

• A. A document issued under the authority of the court used to require a witness to appear in court or at a deposition, or to produce documents.
• B. A software license
• C. A written argument to support a motion
• D. A guide for formatting papers

Answer: (A)

A subpoena is a court-powered command used to gather evidence for a case. Its main function is to compel someone to do two things: appear to testify in person, either in court or at a deposition, and/or produce specific documents or records. This binding order ensures the party can obtain crucial information even if the witness or custodian of records would not voluntarily cooperate, helping to build a complete record for the dispute. There are two common forms: one requiring appearance by a witness and another requiring the production of documents (often called a subpoena duces tecum). Enforcement can carry penalties for noncompliance, underscoring that it is a real, enforceable order of the court. In contexts where testimony or documentary evidence is essential, a subpoena is the formal mechanism that makes those materials accessible. The other options—software licenses, a written argument for a motion, or a guide for formatting papers—do not involve commanding a person to appear or to produce documents, so they aren’t about subpoenas.