Under what circumstance must a court modify or quash a subpoena?

A court must modify or quash a subpoena if it imposes an undue burden or expense. This criterion is grounded in ensuring that the demands placed on individuals or entities are fair and reasonable. The legal system recognizes that a subpoena should not require a person to expend significant resources or effort that outweighs the value of the information being sought.

When a subpoena is found to be excessive in its demands, it can lead to situations where individuals feel intimidated or pressured, which undermines the principles of justice. The court has the authority to assess the situation, consider the interests of all parties involved, and determine whether the request is appropriate. In this context, balancing the need for evidence with the rights and obligations of the person from whom the evidence is sought is crucial.

Circumstances such as requiring travel to a different state or being issued in bad faith may not be automatically sufficient grounds for quashing a subpoena without additional context. Additionally, the mere fact that a subpoena relates to a civil case does not inherently necessitate modification or quashing; the context and specifics of the request are what truly matter in these cases.