MC 11 Guidance: Subpoena (Michigan)

In the context of civil litigation, a subpoena like the MC 11 form is essential when you need someone to testify or produce evidence in a legal proceeding. This form is commonly needed during the discovery phase of a lawsuit, where gathering information is critical to building a case. Specifically, a subpoena may be necessary to secure documents, records, or testimonies from individuals who are not parties to the litigation but have pertinent knowledge or evidence. - **Filing a Complaint**: The process often begins with a complaint, which officially starts the legal action. - **Discovery Requests**: Issuing interrogatories, requests for production, or admission to gather information from other parties can precede the need for a subpoena. - **Motions for Discovery**: Sometimes, you'll need to file a motion to compel discovery if parties are non-cooperative, which can trigger the issuance of a subpoena to third parties. Subpoenas can thus be a direct outcome of uncooperative parties, requiring you to seek information elsewhere. The form ensures that witnesses appear in court or that documents are produced, helping to establish the facts of the case and further the legal proceedings effectively.