The legal world still hangs on tight to their archaic Latin terms and some terms have even
become part of our modern lexicon such as “subpoena” and “subpoena duces tecum”.
A subpoena is a writ ordering someone to attend a court proceeding. The word subpoena
originated in Latin as “sub poena” which means under penalty – words still utilized in subpoenas
issued today.
A subpoena duces tecum is a writ ordering someone to attend a court proceeding and bring
specified relevant documents. The Latin origin “sub poena duces tecum” means under penalty
you shall bring with you. Sometimes a subpoena duces tecum will allow the receiver to produce
documents in lieu of appearing in person with the requested documents.
If you receive a subpoena or a subpoena duces tecum, make sure you read through it thoroughly
so that you will understand what you are being ordered to do and/or provide so that you can
properly comply with it.
© 4/5/2018 Heather M. Carr of Hunt & Associates, P.C. All rights reserved.