The term duces tecum, which is also commonly known as subpoena duces tecum is a court order that requires a witness to produce documents that are either in control or under possession of the witness. They are to be presented at a certain time and to a certain place. Duces tecum is a common practice during a trial to obtain useful evidence, usually from a third party.
Duces tecum must clearly indicate the type of document required: for example income statements of XYZ Company from 1999 – 2005 or all type of correspondence that took place between XYZ Company and ABC Company. Absence of details may result in objection that the request is too burdensome or broad.