Translation guide
A subpoena is a legal document ordering someone to appear in court or produce evidence. In Japanese legal contexts, the concept is expressed through specific terms and phrases, but the system and terminology differ from common-law countries.
A document ordering a person to appear as a witness or party in a legal proceeding.
The standard term for a court summons or subpoena to appear. Used in both civil and criminal cases.
裁判所から召喚状が届いた。
I received a subpoena from the court.
Refers specifically to the summoning and questioning of a witness, often used in political or high-profile contexts (e.g., Diet testimony).
国会で証人喚問が行われた。
A witness subpoena was issued in the Diet.
A general order to appear, not limited to courts. Can be used for police or administrative summons.
警察から出頭命令を受けた。
I received an order to appear from the police.
A subpoena demanding the production of documents, records, or other tangible evidence.
A court order to submit documents. This is the closest equivalent to a subpoena duces tecum.
裁判所は会社に文書提出命令を出した。
The court issued a subpoena for the company to produce documents.
A broader order to produce evidence, which may include documents or other items.
弁護士は証拠提出命令を請求した。
The lawyer requested a subpoena for evidence.
A broader term for any official notification requiring a person to appear or respond legally.
A summons or notice to appear, used in various legal and administrative contexts. Less formal than 召喚状.
裁判所の呼出状を無視すると罰則がある。
Ignoring a court summons can result in penalties.
The act of summoning; often used in legal contexts but can sound formal or technical.
The English word 'subpoena' is often used as a verb ('to subpoena someone'). In Japanese, you cannot directly say サピーナする. Instead, use phrases like 召喚状を送る (send a subpoena) or 証人として呼び出す (summon as a witness).
召喚状 is the formal court subpoena, while 呼出状 is a broader summons that can be used by police or administrative bodies. For a court-issued document compelling appearance, 召喚状 is more precise.
証人は証言するために召喚された。
The witness was subpoenaed to testify.
彼らはすべての財務記録の提出を命じた。
They subpoenaed all the financial records.
証人の召喚が行われた。
A subpoena was issued for the witness.