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 cases to gather information that may be crucial for a trial or investigation. Subpoenas can be issued by courts or attorneys and are an important part of the legal process. 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. Failure to comply with a subpoena can result in legal penalties, including fines or contempt of court charges.