Waat waat is is a a Subpoena?

Question

Waat waat is is a a Subpoena?

Answer 1

A subpoena is commonly defined as a written command to a person to testify before a court or be punished.

More accurately, a subpoena is the conditional threat of punishment made by a governmental authority. It is attached to a command, so that if the recipient does not do as commanded then he may be punished. Subpoenas are associated with common law legal systems.

There are two common types of subpoenas:

A subpoena ad testificandum orders a person to testify before the ordering authority or face punishment.

A subpoena duces tecum orders a person to bring physical evidence before the ordering authority or face punishment.