Subpoena Duces Tecum is a legal term that refers to a type of subpoena issued by a court or authorized authority compelling an individual to bring specified documents, records, or other tangible evidence to be presented in a court hearing or legal proceeding.
The term is derived from Latin, where "subpoena" means "under penalty," "duces" translates to "you shall bring," and "tecum" means "with you." Therefore, Subpoena Duces Tecum literally means "you shall bring with you under the penalty of law."
When a Subpoena Duces Tecum is issued, it requires the recipient to appear in person as well as produce the requested documents or items. These may include medical records, financial statements, contracts, correspondence, or any other physical evidence relevant to the case. The purpose of this type of subpoena is to ensure that all necessary evidence is brought to court, allowing both parties to examine the materials and present their arguments based on the presented information.
Failure to comply with a Subpoena Duces Tecum may result in legal consequences, such as being held in contempt of court or facing penalties for obstructing justice. However, legal provisions exist that allow the recipient to challenge the subpoena based on various grounds, such as privilege, relevance, or burden of producing the requested documents.
Overall, a Subpoena Duces Tecum is a legal mechanism that compels an individual to produce specific documents or tangible evidence to assist in the resolution of a legal dispute or investigation.
