A subpoena duces tecum compels the recipient to do what?

A subpoena duces tecum is a specific type of legal summons that requires the recipient to produce documents, records, or evidence for a legal proceeding. This can include any form of evidence that may be relevant to a case, such as medical records, business documents, or other pertinent information. The key aspect of this type of subpoena is the requirement to bring these items to court or provide them to another party involved in the legal process.

The focus of a subpoena duces tecum is not on personal testimony or serving on a jury, but rather on the physical production of requested materials that can aid in the resolution of a legal matter. Understanding this distinction is crucial for grasping how legal processes function and how various subpoenas are used within the justice system.