What document instructs a witness to bring possession of relevant documents to trial?

What document instructs a witness to bring possession of relevant documents to trial?

• A. Subpoena duces tecum
• B. Subpoena for Witness
• C. Writ
• D. Garnishment

Answer: (A)

A subpoena duces tecum is the document that tells a witness to bring relevant documents or records to court. The term duces tecum means “bring with you,” so this type of subpoena specifically requires production of evidence in addition to appearing to testify. That combination is why it’s used when you need documents from a witness for the trial. The other options don’t fit as well. A subpoena for a witness focuses on requiring the person to appear and testify, not necessarily to bring documents. A writ is a broad court order that can compel various actions, not specifically the production of documents. Garnishment is a post-judgment mechanism to seize a debtor’s assets, not a request for documentary evidence in court.

A subpoena duces tecum is the document that tells a witness to bring relevant documents or records to court. The term duces tecum means “bring with you,” so this type of subpoena specifically requires production of evidence in addition to appearing to testify. That combination is why it’s used when you need documents from a witness for the trial.

The other options don’t fit as well. A subpoena for a witness focuses on requiring the person to appear and testify, not necessarily to bring documents. A writ is a broad court order that can compel various actions, not specifically the production of documents. Garnishment is a post-judgment mechanism to seize a debtor’s assets, not a request for documentary evidence in court.