A subpoena is a legal document that orders an individual to appear in court or produce certain evidence, such as documents or records. It is often used in legal proceedings to gather information that may be relevant to a case. Failure to comply with a subpoena can result in penalties, including fines or other legal consequences. There are two main types of subpoenas: subpoena ad testificandum, which requires a person to testify, and subpoena duces tecum, which demands the production of documents or evidence. Subpoenas are commonly issued in various legal contexts, including criminal cases, civil lawsuits, and investigations.