What does a subpoena duces tecum require a witness to do?

A subpoena duces tecum specifically compels a witness to produce documents, records, or other tangible evidence for inspection or copying at a legal proceeding. This term is derived from Latin, meaning "bring with you under penalty of punishment." The aim of this legal instrument is to ensure that relevant evidence is available for examination during court proceedings or depositions. In practice, it requires the witness to not only appear but also to bring specific documents that are pertinent to the case at hand.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the purpose of a subpoena duces tecum. While a witness may need to provide testimony or appear before a court, these actions are not the primary requirement of the document. A subpoena duces tecum focuses specifically on the production of evidence rather than merely offering testimony or making a statement. Therefore, the correct response highlights the distinctive role of the subpoena in ensuring that all necessary documentation is available for legal scrutiny.