What can compel a person to provide evidence in a court proceeding?

A subpoena is a legal document that is issued by a court or an attorney and compels an individual to provide evidence, whether in the form of testimony or documents, during a court proceeding. When someone receives a subpoena, they are legally obligated to comply, and failure to do so can result in penalties such as fines or even arrest. This mechanism ensures that the court can gather all necessary evidence to adjudicate a case fairly.

In contrast, a voluntary invitation does not carry any legal weight and relies on the individual's willingness to cooperate. A criminal conviction refers to the outcome of a trial and does not constitute a means of compelling someone to provide evidence in another matter. Similarly, while a defense attorney's request may persuade someone to cooperate, it lacks the authoritative force of a subpoena and is not enforceable by law.