A court order that requires a witness to appear in court with certain records is called.

A court order that requires a witness to appear in court with certain records is called.

• A. Subpoena duces tecum
• B. Subpoena ad testificandum
• C. Writ of habeas corpus
• D. Summons

Answer: (A)

This tests understanding of subpoenas and what they compel. Subpoena duces tecum is the order that directs a witness to bring specific records or documents to court. The Latin phrase means “you shall bring with you,” highlighting the production of evidence. By contrast, a subpoena ad testificandum asks the witness to appear to testify but doesn’t automatically require bringing documents. A summons is simply notice to appear, not a directive to produce records, and a writ of habeas corpus concerns unlawful detention. So when the goal is to require the witness to appear with certain records, the appropriate term is Subpoena duces tecum.

This tests understanding of subpoenas and what they compel. Subpoena duces tecum is the order that directs a witness to bring specific records or documents to court. The Latin phrase means “you shall bring with you,” highlighting the production of evidence. By contrast, a subpoena ad testificandum asks the witness to appear to testify but doesn’t automatically require bringing documents. A summons is simply notice to appear, not a directive to produce records, and a writ of habeas corpus concerns unlawful detention. So when the goal is to require the witness to appear with certain records, the appropriate term is Subpoena duces tecum.