subpoena duces tecum

noun

subpoena du·​ces te·​cum -ˌdü-səs-ˈtē-kəm 

: 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

Legal Definition

subpoena duces tecum

noun

subpoena du·​ces te·​cum -ˈdü-səs-ˈtē-kəm, -ˈdyü-, -sēz-; -ˈdü-kes-ˈtā-ˌku̇m 

: 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