What is the primary purpose of a subpoena?

The primary purpose of a subpoena is to obtain evidence from an individual. A subpoena is a legal document that commands an individual to appear in court or to produce documents, records, or evidence pertinent to a legal proceeding. This tool is critical in the discovery phase of litigation, as it allows parties to gather the necessary information to support their case or refute claims made by the opposing party. It ensures that key witnesses or crucial evidence can be presented in court, thereby promoting a fair trial.

While other functions are important in the legal context, such as providing legal representation or enforcing laws, those do not encompass the specific and direct intention of a subpoena to gather evidence. Penalties for wrongdoing relate to judicial outcomes rather than the evidentiary purpose of the subpoena itself. The focus here is solely on the mechanism by which courts can compel participation and evidence production to facilitate justice.