What is a subpoena?

A subpoena is a legal document that commands an individual to appear at a specific time and place to provide testimony or produce evidence in a legal proceeding. It serves as a tool for the court to ensure that critical information or witnesses are available during a trial or hearing. The ability to issue a subpoena is a fundamental aspect of the judicial process, ensuring that all relevant facts can be examined in a case.

The other choices do not accurately describe what a subpoena is. A complaint filed by a plaintiff refers to the initial document that outlines the plaintiff's allegations against the defendant and initiates a lawsuit but does not involve testimony or evidence production in the way a subpoena does. A request for a review of a lower court's decision pertains to appellate procedures and is distinctly different from the function of a subpoena. A written objection from a defendant relates to responses to motions or evidence in court but does not have the same authoritative ability to compel participation that a subpoena does. Understanding these distinctions clarifies the unique role of a subpoena in the legal system.