What is the nature of subpoenas to produce materials?

Subpoenas to produce materials serve a specific legal function distinct from subpoenas aimed at securing an individual's attendance at depositions or hearings. This differentiation is essential because subpoenas for production compel the recipient to provide documents, records, or tangible evidence relevant to a case, rather than their physical presence for questioning or testimony.

This means that while both types of subpoenas are tools used to gather information pertinent to legal proceedings, they operate under different rules, serve different purposes, and can involve distinct procedures. The clarity in their functions ensures that legal parties understand their obligations and rights in relation to the production of evidence versus personal attendance, which plays a critical role in managing courtroom processes and maintaining the integrity of the legal system.