Which legal instrument is typically issued to compel a witness to testify in court?

The legal instrument that is typically issued to compel a witness to testify in court is a subpoena. A subpoena is a formal legal document that orders an individual to attend a court proceeding and provide testimony or to produce documents pertinent to a case. It is often utilized to ensure that witnesses who may have relevant information are present at trial or other legal proceedings, thereby helping to uphold the judicial process.

In contrast, a summons is generally used to notify a defendant that they are being sued and to require their appearance in court. A complaint is the initial pleading in a civil lawsuit outlining the plaintiff's claims against the defendant. An indictment is a formal charge or accusation of a serious crime, typically issued by a grand jury, and does not directly relate to compelling witness testimony. Understanding the specific functions of these legal terms helps clarify their distinct roles within the legal process.