Which document commands the presence of a witness to appear in court to testify in a case?

• A. Writ of Habeas Corpus AD PROSequendem (WHCAP)
• B. Warrant of Removal (WOR)
• C. Prisoner information form automated through Capture
• D. Writ of Habeas Corpus AD TESTificandum (WHCAT)

Answer: (D)

This tests your understanding of writs used to secure testimony in court. A Writ of Habeas Corpus Ad Testificandum specifically orders the custodian to bring the person to court so they can testify in the proceeding. It focuses on ensuring the witness is physically present to provide their testimony.

This differs from a Writ of Habeas Corpus Ad Prosequendum, which directs the production of a prisoner who is in custody to testify, with the custody arrangement still typically under the issuing authority’s control. A warrant of removal isn’t about testifying, and a prisoner information form isn’t a court order for appearance.

So the document that commands the presence of a witness to appear in court to testify is the Writ of Habeas Corpus Ad Testificandum (WHCAT).