page_title: Subpoena ad testificandum
section_title: Subpoena as generally defined in the United States
hierarchical_section_title: Subpoena ad testificandum / Subpoena as generally defined in the United States
caption_attribution_description: English: An attorney impeaching a witness during a mock trial competition.
context_page_description: A subpoena ad testificandum is a court summons to appear and give oral testimony for use at a hearing or trial. The use of a writ for purposes of compelling testimony originated in the ecclesiastical courts of the High Middle Ages, especially in England. The use of the subpoena writ was gradually adopted over time by other courts in England and the European continent.
context_section_description: In order for the power of the court to compel the appearance and testimony of a witness in United States Federal Courts, or in various state courts, the person who is sought must be served with a subpoena.
  The obligation of the individual to attend the court as a witness is enforced by a process of the court, particular process being the subpoena ad testificandum, commonly called the subpoena in the United States.  This writ, or form, commands the witness, under penalty, to appear at a trial to give testimony.  Thus, the subpoena is the mechanism for compelling the attendance of a witness.
  The court did not err in refusing to order production of a defense alibi witness, where the defense contended that the witness was under subpoena but no evidence was introduced to show that the witness was under subpoena, and no evidence was introduced to show the witness was ever served with a subpoena to testify.
  Various states have a statutory provision to define the execution and regulation of subpoenas.  Louisiana is typical.  There the court made this statement: "A statute provides that the court shall issue subpoenas for the compulsory attendance of witnesses at hearings or trials when requested to do so by the state or the defendant."
  One accused of a crime has a constitutional right to have compulsory process to procure the attendance of witnesses in his favor.
  The subpoena is a process in the name of the court or a judge, carrying with it a command dignified by the sanction of the law.
  A subpoena has been called a mandate lawfully issued under the seal of the court by a clerk thereof.
  In general, the norm is to have the clerk of the court issue the subpoena for an upcoming trial in that same court.
  Under the Uniform Rules of Criminal Procedure, a clerk or, someone acting in the part of the clerk of the court, under a magistrate shall issue a subpoena to a party requesting it, who shall fill in the blanks before it is served.
caption: Subpoena ensures the right to confront witnesses in a court of law.
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