What does a subpoena ad testificandum require a witness to do?

A subpoena ad testificandum is specifically designed to compel a witness to testify, typically in a legal proceeding such as a court trial or hearing. When this type of subpoena is issued, it mandates the presence of the witness to provide oral testimony under oath regarding the matter at hand.

This subpoena is crucial in ensuring that crucial testimonies are made available to the court to aid in the judicial process, allowing for a thorough examination of the facts. The distinguishing factor of a subpoena ad testificandum lies in its intention for the witness to speak on the record, rather than present documentation or attend without providing testimony, which would be the case with other types of subpoenas such as a subpoena duces tecum that requires the production of documents.

Understanding this distinction helps clarify the roles of various types of subpoenas used in legal contexts and highlights the critical importance of witness testimony in the pursuit of justice.