If you’ve ever done any research into the legal world, you may have encountered the Latin phrase subpoena duces tecum (or simply, a subpoena). This is an official court order requiring an individual or entity (such as a business) to produce certain documents that are relevant to a legal case. The documents can include letters, diaries, photographs, emails, or other evidence that can help the court make a decision.
Subpoena duces tecum comes from the Latin phrase meaning “you are to bring with you,” and it’s usually served to a third party—someone who’s not directly involved in the legal proceedings. That means that if you’ve been served with a subpoena, it’s usually because the court wants you to provide documents and/or information that will help resolve a dispute.
In the digital age, these documents and/or evidence can include data from social media platforms or digital files stored on phones/computers. If you’ve been served with a subpoena, it’s important to comply with the subpoena’s demands; if you don’t, you could be held in contempt of court, and the judge could issue a fine or even jail time.
Ultimately, a subpoena duces tecum is a powerful tool that is used in litigation to ensure that the parties have access to all the necessary information so that the court can reach a fair and just decision. It’s an important part of the legal process and should not be taken lightly.