subpoena

or sub·pe·na

[ suh-pee-nuh, suhb- ]

noun

1. the usual writ for the summoning of witnesses or the submission of evidence, as records or documents, before a court or other deliberative body.

verb (used with object)

, sub·poe·naed, sub·poe·na·ing.

1. to serve with a subpoena.

subpoena

/ səbˈpiːnə; səˈpiːnə /

noun

1. a writ issued by a court of justice requiring a person to appear before the court at a specified time

verb

1. tr to serve with a subpoena

subpoena

1. An order of a court, a legislature, or a grand jury compelling a witness to be present at a trial or hearing, under penalty of fine or imprisonment. Subpoena is Latin for “under penalty.”

Word History and Origins

Origin of subpoena¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Latin sub poenā “under penalty” (the first words of the writ)

Word History and Origins

Origin of subpoena¹

C15: from Latin: under penalty

Example Sentences

A number of investigations have centred on Adams and those in his orbit - leading to subpoenas, law enforcement raids and a flurry of resignations of top officials who help lead New York City.

From BBC

From 2017-2021, when Democrats controlled at least one chamber of Congress, Trump and members of his administration regularly defied congressional subpoenas.

From Salon

The Texas Supreme Court ruled that a legislative subpoena can not be used to stall an execution, putting the death of Robert Roberson back on the docket.

From Salon

With their subpoena, Texas lawmakers said they planned to address questions surrounding Roberson's case and new scientific developments that could impact his conviction.

From BBC

A police officer could in theory track where a person goes without requiring a search warrant or subpoena through the data collected by automated license plate readers, Maass said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cite
• summon