Witness summons


Published by a ³ÉÈËÓ°Òô Dispute Resolution expert
Practice notes
COVID-19

Witness summons


Published by a ³ÉÈËÓ°Òô Dispute Resolution expert

Practice notes
COVID-19
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This Practice Note provides guidance on the interpretation and Application of the relevant provisions of the CPR. Depending on the court in which your matter is proceeding, additional provisions may apply—see further in the section: Court specific guidance.

Where a party to proceedings wishes to compel a witness to attend court or produce documents to the court, they may consider using a Witness summons. This Practice Note provides guidance on what a witness summons is, the circumstances in which you may use one, whether the court’s permission is required and how to make an application for a witness summons. It explains how to serve the witness summons, together with what to do if a witness does not comply with a Summons, conduct money and paying summoned witnesses.

What is a witness summons?

A witness summons is a document issued by the court under CPR 34.2 compelling a witness to:

  1. •

    attend court to give evidence on the date fixed for a hearing or a court directed date (CPR 34.2(1)(a) and CPR PD 34A, para 1.1), or

  2. •

    produce documents

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Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom
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Key definition:
Witness summons definition
What does Witness summons mean?

A document served on a witness requiring him or her to attend court to give evidence or produce documents to the court.

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