A court order that requires a witness to appear in court with certain records is called.

• A. Subpoena duces tecum
• B. Subpoena ad testificandum
• C. Writ of habeas corpus
• D. Summons

Answer: (A)

This tests understanding of subpoenas and what they compel. Subpoena duces tecum is the order that directs a witness to bring specific records or documents to court. The Latin phrase means “you shall bring with you,” highlighting the production of evidence. By contrast, a subpoena ad testificandum asks the witness to appear to testify but doesn’t automatically require bringing documents. A summons is simply notice to appear, not a directive to produce records, and a writ of habeas corpus concerns unlawful detention. So when the goal is to require the witness to appear with certain records, the appropriate term is Subpoena duces tecum.