What is defined as a court order requiring a witness to appear in court and provide documents?

The correct answer is a subpoena, which specifically refers to a legal document that orders an individual to appear in court as a witness and usually requires them to bring certain documents or evidence related to the case. This mechanism is critical in legal proceedings as it compels testimony and production of documents, ensuring that all relevant information is available for consideration by the court.

Other terms in the answer choices have distinct meanings. A summons is a notice to a defendant that they are being sued and must respond to a court action. A writ is a formal order issued by a court requiring the performance of a specific act. A deposition, on the other hand, is a process in which a witness provides sworn testimony outside of court, typically during the discovery phase of litigation. Each of these terms serves a different function within legal procedures, but a subpoena specifically captures the element of compelling a witness's presence and document submission in court.