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subpoena

suh-PEE-nuh /səˈpiːnə/

nounverbC1GRESATUPSC

FormalLegal

A formal writ ordering a person to attend a court to give testimony or produce documents.

Carries strict legal penalties for non-compliance, distinguishing it from an informal request or invitation.

The story behind the word. Directly borrowed from the Latin phrase sub poena, meaning literally 'under penalty.' English writs historically opened with 'sub poena centum librarum' ('under penalty of one hundred pounds'), making it clear that ignoring the court order carried severe financial or penal consequences.

Word relationships

summons: A summons notifies someone of a lawsuit filed against them; a subpoena orders testimony or evidence.
court order: Broader term for any formal direction issued by a magistrate or judge.

Commonly confused with

summons: A summons notifies a defendant that they are being sued; a subpoena orders a witness to appear or produce records.

Word family

subpoenaed (verb): Past tense of subpoena.
subpoenaing (verb): Present participle of subpoena.

Collocations

issue a subpoena
serve a subpoena
comply with a subpoena
subpoena duces tecum

Idioms & expressions

under subpoena

Example sentences

"The congressional committee issued a subpoena demanding the executive's testimony and corporate financial records." Congressional investigation reporting
"Attorneys served a subpoena on the bank to obtain key account statements needed for the civil trial." Pre-trial discovery phase

Memory hook

Think SUB (under) + POENA (penalty)—you MUST appear in court or suffer a penalty. Court order under penalty.

When not to use

Do not use for an arrest warrant or a general police summons in criminal detention.

Fun facts

In legal Latin, 'subpoena duces tecum' literally means 'under penalty bring with you', requiring specific physical evidence or documents.