Limitations on Grand Jury Subpoenas

Types of Grand Jury Subpoenas

There are two types of grand jury subpoenas: 1) subpoena duces tecum and 2) subpoena ad testificandum.

Subpoena Duces Tecum

A subpoena duces tecum is a court order that requires a person to produce documents or other evidence to the grand jury.

Subpoena Ad Testificandum

A subpoena ad testificandum is a court order that requires a person to testify before the grand jury.

Limitations on Grand Jury Subpoenas

Grand jury subpoenas are not unlimited. The court may only issue a grand jury subpoena if it finds that:

• The subpoena is necessary to the investigation of a crime.
• The subpoena is specific and does not seek irrelevant information.
• The subpoena does not unduly burden the person subpoenaed.

If the court finds that a grand jury subpoena does not meet these requirements, it may quash the subpoena.