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DictionarysubpoenaLegal order for testimony or evidence
noun / verb

subpoena

suh-PEE-nuh/səˈpiːnə/

A legal order requiring testimony or evidence, or issuing such an order.

The court officer serves a subpoena at the doorway.

Court officer serves document titled SUBPOENA to adult at doorway.
Etymology
subLatinunder
+poenaLatinpenalty, punishment

“Under penalty” opened a writ ordering someone to appear, with punishment threatened for failure to comply. Those opening words became the name of the legal order itself.

In context

Rep. Jamie Raskin0:25
you get a subpoena from United States Congress you got to show up
CNN - Raskin Discusses White House Stonewalling, Blocking Witness Testimony

More examples

  • They subpoenaed the records.
  • Several subpoenas were issued.
  • The committee is subpoenaing witnesses.

Forms

subpoena · subpoenas · subpoenaed · subpoenaing

Similar words

summons
Usually orders an appearance rather than necessarily evidence production.
warrant
Can authorize an action such as a search or arrest.