New York City Process Server Practice Test

A subpoena is a legal document that orders an individual to appear in court or produce evidence. Its enforcement is primarily achieved through penalties for non-compliance. When a party fails to respond to a subpoena, the court can impose sanctions, which may include fines, or even hold the individual in contempt of court. This mechanism serves to compel compliance, ensuring that individuals fulfill their legal obligations to provide testimony or documents as required.

The enforcement of a subpoena through penalties emphasizes the seriousness of adhering to judicial processes, as refusal or failure to comply can hinder the administration of justice. While calling witnesses to provide testimony is a function of the subpoena itself, it does not address the enforcement aspect, making it less relevant in this context. The options related to settlements or reopening cases do not pertain directly to the enforcement of a subpoena. Instead, they may relate to negotiation or procedural aspects of legal proceedings but do not serve the primary purpose of enforcing a subpoena.