subpoena duces tecum

noun

subpoena du·​ces te·​cum -ˌdü-səs-ˈtē-kəm How to pronounce subpoena duces tecum (audio)
: a writ commanding a person to produce in court certain designated documents or evidence

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, under penalty you shall bring with you

First Known Use

1730, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of subpoena duces tecum was in 1730

Dictionary Entries Near subpoena duces tecum

Cite this Entry

“Subpoena duces tecum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subpoena%20duces%20tecum. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Legal Definition

subpoena duces tecum

noun
: a subpoena that commands the production of specified evidence in a person's possession

Note: Unlike a search warrant, a subpoena duces tecum can be issued without a showing of probable cause.

Etymology

New Latin, under penalty you shall bring with you

More from Merriam-Webster on subpoena duces tecum

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!