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

That measure would expand the subpoena powers of the city attorney and clarify that the city controller can obtain records involving city contractors.

From Los Angeles Times

Among the issues addressed by HH: the ability of the city controller to conduct financial audits and the expansion of the city attorney’s subpoena powers.

From Los Angeles Times

His alleged obstruction included lying about the extent of his compliance with a federal subpoena and ordering his co-conspirators to hide documents that he knew the government wanted.

From Los Angeles Times

But also on Wednesday, in response to calls to spare Roberson's life, a bipartisan group of lawmakers in the Texas House of Representatives issued a subpoena for him to testify before their panel next week.

From BBC

The decision came after a Texas House panel issued a highly unusual subpoena for Roberson late on Wednesday, hoping that authorities would have to send him to appear at a hearing on 21 October.

From BBC

Related Words

• cite
• summon