What is the purpose of a subpoena?

The purpose of a subpoena is to compel witness testimony. In legal proceedings, a subpoena serves as an official request issued by a court or legal authority that requires an individual to appear before the court to give testimony or produce documents relevant to a case. This legal tool is crucial for ensuring that parties involved in a legal dispute can access necessary information or testimonies that might be pivotal in resolving the matter.

For instance, in a trial, a subpoena may be issued to individuals with firsthand knowledge of the events in question, ensuring their accountability to provide insights that contribute to the case. This process underlines the importance of gathering comprehensive evidence and establishing a complete narrative from various testimonies.

While tax records, fundraising information, and enforcement of school policies can involve legal processes, they do not specifically pertain to the function of a subpoena, which is focused on obtaining witness testimony or documents for judicial purposes.