Legal Definitions - subpoenal

Subpoenal (adjective)

Describes something that is legally required and carries the potential for penalties if not fulfilled, especially when mandated by a formal legal order such as a subpoena.

Here are some examples to illustrate the concept:

• A pharmaceutical company receives a court order (a subpoena) demanding all internal research documents related to a new drug. The company's subsequent action of gathering and submitting these specific documents is considered subpoenal compliance. This means their obligation to provide the documents is not voluntary but is legally enforced, with potential fines or other legal repercussions if they fail to comply fully and accurately.

• During a divorce proceeding, one spouse's attorney issues a subpoena to a bank, requiring them to produce all financial statements for a specific account. The bank's duty to provide these detailed financial records falls under a subpoenal obligation. The bank must comply with this request, as failure to do so could result in legal penalties for contempt of court.

• A journalist is issued a subpoena to testify in a defamation lawsuit, requiring them to reveal their confidential sources. The act of appearing in court and potentially giving testimony, even if they choose to assert a privilege, is a subpoenal act. Their presence and the information they are compelled to provide are not optional; they are mandated by the court order, and non-compliance could lead to legal sanctions.