Which of the following is true about subpoenas?

• A. They only require appearance
• B. They can demand both appearance and documents depending on type
• C. They are not legally binding
• D. They are issued only by prosecutors

Answer: (B)

Subpoenas are legal orders that compel someone to participate in a legal proceeding or to produce records. They come in two common forms: one requires a person to appear and testify, and the other requires the person to bring documents or records. Depending on the type of subpoena, it may require just appearance, just documents, or both. That flexibility is why the statement that subpoenas can demand both appearance and documents depending on type is the most accurate choice. Subpoenas are binding orders; ignoring them can lead to penalties such as contempt of court. They aren’t issued only by prosecutors—courts issue subpoenas, and attorneys can obtain them under court authority as part of legal proceedings.