What is a court order requiring a person's appearance in court or at a deposition called?

What is a court order requiring a person's appearance in court or at a deposition called?

• A. Complaint
• B. Citation
• C. Subpoena
• D. Summons

Answer: (C)

The correct term for a court order requiring a person's appearance in court or at a deposition is "subpoena." A subpoena is a legal document that compels an individual to attend a certain proceeding, such as a court trial or a deposition, and may also require them to bring specific documents or evidence. This enforceable order is crucial in legal proceedings as it ensures that witnesses can be called to provide testimonies or to present evidence relevant to the case at hand. In contrast, a complaint is the formal legal document that initiates a lawsuit, outlining the plaintiff's claims and the relief sought. A citation typically refers to a summons issued for a person to appear in legal proceedings, but it is often used in the context of minor legal infractions or violations. A summons, while it does notify a defendant of the legal action against them and invites their appearance in court, does not specifically require them to give testimony or produce documents as a subpoena does. Thus, understanding the distinct roles and definitions of these legal documents highlights why "subpoena" is the correct term for compelling someone's presence in court or a deposition.

The correct term for a court order requiring a person's appearance in court or at a deposition is "subpoena." A subpoena is a legal document that compels an individual to attend a certain proceeding, such as a court trial or a deposition, and may also require them to bring specific documents or evidence. This enforceable order is crucial in legal proceedings as it ensures that witnesses can be called to provide testimonies or to present evidence relevant to the case at hand.

In contrast, a complaint is the formal legal document that initiates a lawsuit, outlining the plaintiff's claims and the relief sought. A citation typically refers to a summons issued for a person to appear in legal proceedings, but it is often used in the context of minor legal infractions or violations. A summons, while it does notify a defendant of the legal action against them and invites their appearance in court, does not specifically require them to give testimony or produce documents as a subpoena does. Thus, understanding the distinct roles and definitions of these legal documents highlights why "subpoena" is the correct term for compelling someone's presence in court or a deposition.