Words are exchanged, followed by threats of legal action.
Weeks go by, and the matter is never discussed again.
That document now in your hand has now made you a subpoenaed witness to a court proceeding. You are now expected to appear in a certain courtroom on a specified day. You get the distinct impression that you had better show up. This scenario, and many others like it, is played out every day somewhere in this country. Courtroom proceedings depend heavily on witnesses in order to settle claims or prosecute criminals.