Subpoena
[sə'piːnə] or [sə'pinə]
Definition
(noun.) a writ issued by court authority to compel the attendance of a witness at a judicial proceeding; disobedience may be punishable as a contempt of court.
(verb.) serve or summon with a subpoena; 'The witness and her records were subpoenaed'.
Checked by Fern--From WordNet
Definition
(n.) A writ commanding the attendance in court, as a witness, of the person on whom it is served, under a penalty; the process by which a defendant in equity is commanded to appear and answer the plaintiff's bill.
(v. t.) To serve with a writ of subpoena; to command attendance in court by a legal writ, under a penalty in case of disobedience.
Editor: Miriam
Definition
n. a writ commanding the attendance of a person in court under a penalty.—v.t. to serve with a writ of subpœna.
Typed by Debora
Examples
- Here's a subpoena for you, Mr. Weller,' said Jackson. Charles Dickens. The Pickwick Papers.
- For what other reason, Sir,' pursued Mr. Pickwick, 'are these subpoenas served upon them, if not for this? Charles Dickens. The Pickwick Papers.
- No, no, Mr. Pickwick,' said Jackson, in conclusion; 'Perker's people must guess what we've served these subpoenas for. Charles Dickens. The Pickwick Papers.
- They have subpoenaed my servant, too,' said Mr. Pickwick, quitting the other point; for there Mr. Perker's question had somewhat staggered him. Charles Dickens. The Pickwick Papers.
- They have subpoenaed my three friends,' said Mr. Pickwick. Charles Dickens. The Pickwick Papers.
Typist: Portia