What is the legal term for a document that requires a witness to appear in court?

The legal term for a document that requires a witness to appear in court is a subpoena. A subpoena is a formal directive issued by a legal authority, compelling an individual to provide testimony or produce evidence for a court proceeding. This instrument ensures that witnesses can be compelled to testify, thereby supporting the judicial process by securing the presence of necessary individuals who may hold essential information related to a case.

In legal practice, subpoenas are critical for gathering evidence and ensuring that all relevant parties are available for examination under oath during court proceedings. They are often served to witnesses who may have firsthand knowledge of events pertinent to a case, enhancing the integrity and comprehensiveness of the justice system.

In contrast, an affidavit is a written statement confirmed by oath or affirmation, used primarily as evidence in court but does not compel a witness's presence. A deposition refers to the process of taking sworn testimony from a witness outside of court, and a writ is a formal order issued by a body with administrative or judicial jurisdiction, which does not specifically denote the compulsion of a witness's presence in court. Understanding these distinctions is essential for navigating legal terminology accurately in the context of healthcare law and ethics.