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Subpoenas

Produced by Massachusetts Law Reform Institute
Reviewed November 2021

A subpoena is a letter that tells a person they must:

  • come to court and testify, or
  • deliver written evidence to a court or other legal proceeding.

A subpoena must be notarized. See What if I have to have something notarized?

Why would I use a subpoena?

You can use a subpoena to:

  • Make someone attend a hearing and
    • testify, or
    • bring written evidence to help your case.

The person you subpoena is a witness. Written evidence you can subpoena are records like: bank statements, photos, phone records, payroll records, and medical records.

  • Make a record keeper deliver records to the court. Records you can subpoena are documents like business records and medical records.

Subpoena to testify and bring written evidence

Subpoena to bring records

Find Legal Aid

You may be able to get free legal help from your local legal aid program. Or email a question about your own legal problem to a lawyer.

Helpful Links

Constables can serve subpoenas

Subpoena Form

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