Subpoena

Subpoena, in English law practice, means the writ or process by which the attendance of a party or witness in a court of justice is compelled. It is a writ in the Queen's name commanding him to lay aside his business and all excuses, and attend at the time and place indicated, under a penalty. If the witness is required to produce a document the writ is called a subpoena duces tecum. If the person summoned do not attend and has not a good legal excuse, such as dangerous illness, he may be sued in an action of damages or committed to prison.