What is the function of a subpoena?

A subpoena serves as a court order that compels a person to attend a legal proceeding or produce evidence pertinent to the case at hand. It is an essential tool in the legal process, ensuring that witnesses can be present in court or that necessary documents and evidence are made available to support the pursuit of justice. By enforcing attendance or evidence production, a subpoena plays a crucial role in the integrity of legal proceedings.

The other options describe different processes or functions that do not align with the specific legal definition of a subpoena. For instance, requesting client information could be relevant in many contexts but does not convey the authority and necessity of a court order. Similarly, a notice for a psychological evaluation refers to the procedures concerning assessments and does not involve the legal mandate associated with a subpoena. Lastly, a directive to cease practice addresses professional regulation and ethics within the field, distinctly separate from the legal compulsion implied by a subpoena.