What is a court order requiring an individual to appear in court or to testify called?

A subpoena is a legal document that compels an individual to appear in court as a witness or to produce evidence in a legal proceeding. This instrument is essential in the judicial process as it ensures that necessary witnesses are available to provide testimony or that relevant documents and evidence are submitted for consideration by the court.

The significance of a subpoena lies in its authority; failing to comply with a subpoena can result in legal penalties, such as fines or even contempt of court charges. Thus, it serves as a critical mechanism for enforcing the attendance of witnesses and the submission of documents vital to the case.

In contrast, a writ of summons typically refers to a document issued by a court to notify someone that they are being sued and that they need to respond. A judicial mandate can involve broader orders from the court, and an order of appearance sounds similar but is not the standard legal term used to refer to the document compelling testimony or attendance. Therefore, a subpoena is the correct term for the specific scenario of requiring an individual to appear in court or testify.