What is a subpoena ad testificandum?

What is a subpoena ad testificandum?

• A. A subpoena requiring a witness to testify at a hearing or trial.
• B. A subpoena requiring a witness to bring documents.
• C. A subpoena for production of equipment.
• D. A subpoena requiring the witness to appear for deposition.

Answer: (A)

Subpoena ad testificandum means a command to a person to appear and give oral testimony. The Latin phrase translates to “for testimony,” so its purpose is to compel a witness to testify at a hearing or trial. This distinguishes it from orders that require producing documents (duces tecum) or items, or from a deposition-specific subpoena. The option describing a witness being required to testify at a hearing or trial best fits this definition.

Subpoena ad testificandum means a command to a person to appear and give oral testimony. The Latin phrase translates to “for testimony,” so its purpose is to compel a witness to testify at a hearing or trial. This distinguishes it from orders that require producing documents (duces tecum) or items, or from a deposition-specific subpoena. The option describing a witness being required to testify at a hearing or trial best fits this definition.