§ 16502 Witness Subpoena Issuance

Elections Code·California

AI SummaryVerified

This law lets the court clerk give subpoenas to make people appear as witnesses, and the court can also order them to come if they ignore the subpoena.

Key Takeaways

•The clerk can issue subpoenas whenever any party asks for them.
•Subpoenas are delivered just like other legal papers.
•The court can use attachments to compel a witness to attend if they ignore the subpoena.

Example

A neighbor refuses to attend a small claims hearing about a broken fence.

The plaintiff asks the court clerk for a subpoena, which is delivered to the neighbor. If the neighbor still doesn't show up, the judge can issue an attachment to force them to appear.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source

View on CA.gov

§ 16502 Witness Subpoena Issuance

The clerk of the superior court shall issue subpoenas for witnesses at the request of any party, which shall be served as other subpoenas. The superior court may issue attachments to compel the attendance of witnesses who have been subpoenaed to attend. (Amended by Stats. 1996, Ch. 1143, Sec. 60. Effective September 30, 1996.)

Last verified: January 10, 2026

Key Terms

subpoenas witnesses attachments superior court

References

Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
California Legislature. Elections Code. Section 16502.

Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

References

Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

References