What is the purpose of a subpoena?

A subpoena serves the important function of compelling individuals to provide testimony or to produce evidence that is relevant to an official proceeding or investigation. This legal document is typically issued by a court or a government agency and mandates that the person named in the subpoena appear before a legal authority at a specified time, or submit certain documents or evidence.

The role of a subpoena is critical in the context of legal proceedings, such as court cases or administrative hearings, where obtaining firsthand evidence or witnesses' testimony is essential for establishing facts, building a case, or clarifying legal issues.

In contrast, the other options reflect different legal concepts or procedures that do not align with the strict purpose of a subpoena. Issuing fines pertains to punitive measures rather than the gathering of evidence or testimony, determining liability relates to assessing responsibility in legal disputes, and initiating negotiations involves discussions to reach agreements rather than compelling participation in a legal context.