subpoena

American  

[suh-pee-nuh, suhb-] / səˈpi nə, səb- /

Or subpena

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.

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verb (used with object)

subpoenaed, subpoenaing

1. to serve with a subpoena.

subpoena British  

/ səbˈpiːnə, səˈpiːnə /

noun

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

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verb

1. (tr) to serve with a subpoena

subpoena Cultural  

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.”

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Etymology

Origin of subpoena

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

Example Sentences

That probe stems from grand jury subpoenas over cost overruns on the Fed’s Washington headquarters renovation and Powell’s subsequent congressional testimony about it.

From Barron's

Last week, responding to a subpoena, former President Bill Clinton and his wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton testified before the Oversight committee.

From BBC

The subpoenas seek records from the district’s inspector general and the former Foundation for New Education Initiatives, according to a source familiar with the case.

From Los Angeles Times

Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York served upon the bankruptcy trustee a grand jury subpoena seeking certain information and documents.

From Los Angeles Times

County officials say they need a judge’s permission to comply with the subpoena and turn over the firm’s records to the bar, giving the typically opaque proceedings a spotlight in open court.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• decree
• mandate
• summons
• warrant