What is a subpoena?

A subpoena is a court order requiring someone to appear in court or provide relevant documents or information. Specifically in Massachusetts, a subpoena is a legal document issued by a court or lawyer. It is signed by a clerk of the court or a court officer, and it requires a person to appear in court to answer questions, provide testimony, and/or produce documents or other objects. In Massachusetts, a subpoena also can be issued to an individual or an entity, such as a business or organization. It is important to note that an individual or entity that fails to comply with a subpoena can be held in contempt of court. Subpoenas can be issued for both criminal and civil cases. For criminal cases, the subpoena is issued to witnesses to ensure that they appear in court to provide testimony. In civil cases, the subpoena may also be issued to parties to the litigation, such as the defendant or plaintiff, as well as third parties who have relevant information pertaining to the case. A subpoena is a powerful legal tool that requires careful consideration by the party that is issuing it. It is crucial for a party to ensure that the subpoena has been issued properly and that the party against whom it is issued has been served properly. Failing to do so can have serious legal ramifications.

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