Understanding Massachusetts Subpoenas: Authority, Enforcement, and What You Need to Know
A subpoena is one of the most powerful tools available in a Massachusetts legal proceeding. Whether you need documents, testimony, or access to premises, a properly issued subpoena compels compliance under state law. This post breaks down who can issue a subpoena, how subpoenas are enforced, and provides direct links to the relevant service pages on IPS‑Notary. Who Can Issue a Subpoena in Massachusetts? Massachusetts law is unusually broad in terms of who may issue a subpoena. Under Mass.R.Civ.P. 45 , M.G.L. c. 233 § 1 , and M.G.L. c. 30A § 12(3) , the following individuals and entities may issue subpoenas: 🗸 Massachusetts Notaries Public Massachusetts is one of the few states where Notaries Public have statutory authority to issue subpoenas and witness summonses. This includes subpoenas for: Testimony ( ad testificandum ) Documents-Only (no appearance) Depositions Records Subpoena (duces ...