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)

subpoenaed, subpoenaing 

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

Uthmeier said his office had “secured and executed subpoenas and warrants” and called the brothers’ behavior “atrocious.”

Read more on Salon

Your lawyer may need to subpoena information from the management company through probate, if necessary.

Read more on MarketWatch

It is unclear if the subpoena is directly related to the arson case against Jonathan Rinderknecht, who is accused of setting the Jan. 1 fire and has pleaded not guilty.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The provision allows U.S. senators to sue the federal government for up to $500,000 per violation if their data is seized or subpoenaed without prior notice.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

B. Riley has disclosed in regulatory filings that the firm and Riley have received SEC subpoenas regarding its dealings with Kahn, Franchise group and other matters.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• decree 
• mandate 
• summons 
• warrant