What must a subpoena be issued for, according to case law?

A subpoena must be issued for legitimate purposes only, as established by case law. This requirement ensures that subpoenas are used as tools of justice and are not employed frivolously or maleficently. The concept of 'legitimate purposes' typically encompasses the necessity of obtaining relevant evidence for a case, which can include but is not limited to the production of documents, the attendance of witnesses, or any action pertinent to the litigation at hand.

Subpoenas must align with relevant legal standards and should serve the interests of justice, meaning they should be aimed at facilitating the fair administration of law. Courts are likely to scrutinize the purposes for which a subpoena is sought to prevent abuse of the process, ensuring that it is not used for harassment or other inappropriate means.

This understanding is critical, as it differentiates valid legal proceedings from actions motivated by personal vendettas or other unrelated private concerns. In essence, the law prioritizes the integrity of the legal process by stipulating that subpoenas can only be issued when there is a legitimate, justifiable reason rooted in the context of the case.