What is the legal process called when a court orders a witness to attend and give testimony?

The legal process of ordering a witness to attend court and provide testimony is known as a subpoena. A subpoena is a formal legal document that compels an individual to appear before a court or other legal authority and may also require them to bring documents or evidence. This process is vital in ensuring that relevant witnesses are available to testify in criminal or civil proceedings, thus upholding the integrity of the judicial process.

In contrast, the other terms, while related to legal procedures, do not accurately describe this particular process. "Testify" refers to the act of providing evidence or statements in court but does not encompass the ordering aspect. A "summons" usually pertains to notifying a defendant that they are being sued or that a legal action has been initiated against them. A "deposition" involves the taking of sworn, out-of-court oral testimony from a witness, typically as part of the discovery process, rather than a direct order to appear in court.