Civil Procedure
Subpoena
suh-PEE-nuh
A formal court-issued order requiring a person to appear, testify, or produce documents.
Governing rule: Fed. R. Civ. P. 45
Plain-English definition
A subpoena (Latin: 'under penalty') is a written command to attend at a specific place and time, give testimony, or produce documents or things. Failure to comply can result in contempt of court. Two main forms: subpoena ad testificandum (testimony) and subpoena duces tecum (documents).
More in Civil Procedure
Amended Complaint
A revised complaint that changes, adds, or clarifies allegations, parties, or claims after the original complaint was filed.
Answer
The defendant's formal written response to the plaintiff's complaint, admitting or denying each allegation.
Class Certification
The judicial decision to allow a lawsuit to proceed as a class action on behalf of similarly-situated plaintiffs.
Collateral Estoppel
Also called issue preclusion. The doctrine that prevents re-litigating a specific issue that was actually decided in a prior case.
Complaint
The initial pleading filed by the plaintiff that starts a civil lawsuit.
Consolidation
Combining related cases for coordinated management, discovery, hearings, or trial.
Counterclaim
A claim brought by a defendant against the plaintiff within the same lawsuit.
Crossclaim
A claim by one party against a co-party, such as one defendant suing another defendant in the same case.
Not legal advice. Definitions are for general reference. Consult an attorney before relying on any term in a real case.