What legal document requires the recipient to appear as a witness in court or to give a deposition?

• A. Summons
• B. Writ
• C. Subpoena
• D. Mandate

Answer: (C)

A subpoena specifically compels a person to appear in court to testify or to give a deposition, making it the tool that forces live testimony and, if needed, the production of documents. It serves as a formal order that ensures witnesses show up and provide sworn information, which is essential in both trials and pre-trial depositions.

This differs from a summons, which is mainly notice to a party to appear in court to answer a complaint or conduct related court action, not necessarily to testify or be deposed. A writ is a broad court order that can compel various actions but isn’t limited to requiring witness testimony. A mandate (mandamus) directs a public official to perform a duty, not to testify in a case.

So, the document that requires the recipient to appear as a witness in court or to give a deposition is a subpoena.