What is the protocol for serving a witness subpoena?

Serving a witness subpoena directly to the witness is the correct approach because it ensures that the witness receives the document in a manner that is compliant with legal requirements. Personal service is generally required for subpoenas to guarantee that the witness is aware of their obligation to appear in court or produce documents. This method helps to eliminate disputes regarding whether the witness was properly notified about the subpoena and its contents.

Delivering a subpoena via email, mailing it, or hiring a third party introduces potential issues of reliability and proof of service that would not arise with direct delivery. In some jurisdictions, these methods may not meet the legal standards required for serving a subpoena, which is why personal delivery is the preferred and often mandated protocol.