subpoena duces tecum

law

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July 14, 2026

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A subpoena duces tecum is a legal document that commands a person to produce specific evidence, typically documents or papers, in court. The term originates from New Latin, meaning "under penalty you shall bring with you". This type of subpoena is used in common-law countries and is similar to citations in civil law systems. It differs from a standard subpoena, which only requires a person to appear and give testimony. The plural form is subpoenas duces tecum.12

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evidence
Documentary evidence
…court for a writ of sub poena duces tecum compelling the third party to produce the document in court. If the original is not produced after this, secondhand evidence of its existence is then permitted. In Continental law there is no similar obligation to produce documents. The adversary or third…
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…court for a writ of sub poena duces tecum compelling the third party to produce the document in court. If the original is not produced after this, secondhand evidence of its existence is then permitted. In Continental law there is no similar obligation to produce documents. The adversary or third…
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subpoena
A subpoena duces tecum commands the recipient to produce certain evidence, usually documents or papers, that is demanded.
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A subpoena duces tecum commands the recipient to produce certain evidence, usually documents or papers, that is demanded.
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