What term describes a court order requiring production of documents?

• A. Subpoena Duces Tecum
• B. Subpoena ad testificandum
• C. Writ of Habeas Corpus
• D. Summons to Court

Answer: (A)

A subpoena duces tecum describes a court order that requires the production of documents. The Latin phrase duces tecum means "bring with you," so this type of subpoena not only compels a person to appear but also to produce specified documents or tangible items at a designated time and place.

In contrast, a subpoena ad testificandum is about appearing to testify and does not necessarily require document production. A writ of habeas corpus concerns challenging unlawful detention and seeks release of a person in custody, not documents. A summons to court simply announces that someone must appear and respond to a claim, without a mandate to bring documents.