Witness summons

Copyright © 2025 LexisNexis
Published by a LexisNexis Dispute Resolution expert
Practice notes
COVID-19

Witness summons

Copyright © 2025 LexisNexis

Published by a LexisNexis Dispute Resolution expert

Practice notes
COVID-19
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This Practice Note provides guidance on Witness summonses. It considers the circumstances in which a witness summons may be used, whether the court’s permission is required and, if so, how to make an Application for permission. How to serve the witness summons is explained, together with explanations about what to do if a witness does not comply with a Summons, conduct money and paying summoned witnesses.

Depending on the court in which your matter is proceeding, additional provisions may apply—see: Court specific guidance.

What is a witness summons?

A witness summons is 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 to the court either:

    1. ◦

      on the date fixed for the hearing (CPR 34.2(4)(a)), or

    2. ◦

      on such date as the court may direct (CPR 34.2(4)(b))

A summons can only be used in relation to documents that a person could be required

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Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom
Related legal acts:
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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