Which term is an order to bring documents to court?

Which term is an order to bring documents to court?

• A. Writ of mandamus
• B. Summons for records
• C. Subpoena Duces Tecum
• D. Subpoena ad testificandum

Answer: (C)

Subpoena duces tecum is the instrument used to compel someone to bring documents or records to court or a deposition. The phrase duces tecum translates to “you shall bring with you,” signaling that the key requirement is producing tangible materials—papers, files, emails, contracts, or other records—at the designated proceedings. This makes it the appropriate tool for document production. By contrast, a subpoena ad testificandum is for compelling testimony, not the production of documents. A writ of mandamus is an extraordinary court order directing a government official to perform a duty, not specifically about producing records. “Summons for records” isn’t a standard legal term for triggering document production in court. So the term that truly orders the production of documents to court is subpoena duces tecum.

Subpoena duces tecum is the instrument used to compel someone to bring documents or records to court or a deposition. The phrase duces tecum translates to “you shall bring with you,” signaling that the key requirement is producing tangible materials—papers, files, emails, contracts, or other records—at the designated proceedings. This makes it the appropriate tool for document production.

By contrast, a subpoena ad testificandum is for compelling testimony, not the production of documents. A writ of mandamus is an extraordinary court order directing a government official to perform a duty, not specifically about producing records. “Summons for records” isn’t a standard legal term for triggering document production in court.

So the term that truly orders the production of documents to court is subpoena duces tecum.