WordValesubpoena
an order requiring someone to attend court or produce evidence
In more detail
1. (noun) an official legal document that orders a person to appear in court or to produce evidence
2. (verb) to order someone to appear in court or to provide evidence by issuing a subpoena
Examples
- 1. The witness received a subpoena to testify at the trial.
- 2. The lawyer decided to subpoena the company's financial records.
How to use subpoena
Subpoena is a formal legal term used in the context of court proceedings. It refers both to the official document itself and the act of ordering someone's appearance or demanding evidence. It carries legal weight and enforcement power, making it stronger than a mere request or invitation.
Common phrases
- issue a subpoena
- serve a subpoena
- subpoena someone to testify
- subpoena documents
- subpoena records
Synonyms
summons · writ · court order · legal notice
Word family
subpoenaed (past tense/adjective) · subpoenaing (present participle) · subpoenas (plural/third person singular)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes misspell it as 'subpena' or 'subpeona'; the correct spelling is 'subpoena' with an 'oe' digraph.
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