What is "subpoena duces tecum"

Subpoena \Sub*p[oe]"na\, n. [NL., fr. L. sub under + poena punishment. See Pain.] (Law) A writ commanding the attendance in court, as a witness, of the person on whom it is served, under a penalty; the process by which a defendant in equity is commanded to appear and answer the plaintiff's bill. [Written also subpena.]

Subp[oe]na ad testificandum. [NL.] A writ used to procure the attendance of a witness for the purpose of testifying.

Subp[oe]na duces tecum. [NL.] A writ which requires a witness to attend and bring certain documents.

n. (context legal English) A writ requiring someone to appear in court to give testimony, and to bring something (usually documents) to accompany that testimony.

n. a writ issued by a court at the request of one of the parties to a suit; it requires a witness to bring to court or to a deposition any relevant documents under the witness's control

A subpoena duces tecum (pronounced ) (or subpoena for production of evidence) is a court summons ordering the recipient to appear before the court and produce documents or other tangible evidence for use at a hearing or trial.

The summons is known by various names in different jurisdictions. The term subpoena duces tecum is used in the United States, as well as some other common law jurisdictions such as South Africa and Canada. It is a Latin phrase meaning "you will bring with you under penalty of punishment". The summons is called a "subpoena for production of evidence" in some U.S. states that have sought to reduce the use of non-English words and phrases in court terminology.

The subpoena duces tecum is similar to the subpoena ad testificandum, which is a writ summoning a witness to testify orally. However, unlike the latter summons, the subpoena duces tecum instructs the witness to bring in hand books, papers, or evidence for the court. In most jurisdictions, a subpoena usually has to be served personally.