What is the primary purpose of a subpoena?

A subpoena primarily serves to summon a witness to court, making it a vital tool in the legal process. When a party issues a subpoena, it compels the named individual to appear before the court or to produce evidence, such as documents or records, relevant to a case. This ensures that both parties have access to necessary testimony or evidence, aiding in the pursuit of justice.

In the context of legal proceedings, the ability to mandate a witness's attendance is crucial for establishing the facts of a case. It ensures that a court can hear from all relevant parties and obtain important information that might influence the outcome of the trial. By being legally required to appear, witnesses cannot simply choose to disregard a request, which upholds the integrity of the judicial system.

The other options do not accurately reflect the fundamental purpose of a subpoena. For instance, compelling a jury to reach a verdict is unrelated to the function of a subpoena, as jurors are independent decision-makers and do not respond to such directives. Similarly, while providing the defense with evidence is important, this typically occurs through the discovery process rather than via a subpoena directed specifically to a witness. Lastly, the notion of using a subpoena to delay court proceedings runs counter to its intended purpose, which is to facilitate