What must a person do when subpoenaed to testify?

When a person is subpoenaed to testify, they are legally obligated to comply with the terms outlined in the subpoena unless they have received a formal excuse from the court or the issuing authority. The subpoena serves as a command to appear and provide testimony at a designated time and place, which is crucial in the legal process to ensure that relevant evidence is obtained. Failing to appear as commanded can result in legal penalties, including contempt of court.

This obligation emphasizes the importance of the court's authority in summoning witnesses, which supports the integrity of the judicial process. Options that suggest non-compliance or action against the subpoena, such as attending only if one wishes, contacting the court for permission to not attend without a valid excuse, or filing a lawsuit against the party that served the subpoena, do not align with the legal requirements that govern how individuals must respond to a subpoena. These alternatives misinterpret the seriousness of complying with judicial commands.