subpoena

     

A subpoena (pronounce /səˈpiːnə/) is "a command to appear at a certain time and place to give testimony upon a certain government matter." The term is from the Middle English suppena and the Latin phrase sub poena meaning "under penalty." The term may also be spelled "subpena."

Trivia about subpoena

  • In 1999 Britain replaced Latin legal terms with English ones; "witness summons" replaced this word
  • From Latin for "under penalty", you're under penalty if you don't obey one
  • Your partner in crime didn't show up for court? He may get one of these orders that will compel him to testify
  • If served this legal writ, you will be required to appear in court to give testimony
  • While a summons asks nicely, this demands your appearance in court

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