What term best describes a legal document requesting the presence of a witness in court?

The term that best describes a legal document requesting the presence of a witness in court is a subpoena. A subpoena is a formal order that commands an individual to appear at a legal proceeding, such as a trial or deposition. It serves to ensure that witnesses provide their testimony or produce evidence necessary for the case. The essence of a subpoena is its legal backing, which gives it the authority to compel attendance, thus playing a crucial role in the justice system.

Other terms listed do not convey the same meaning. A citation typically refers to a document that serves to summon someone to court or to issue a fine for minor legal infractions, whereas a warrant is an order issued by a judge to authorize law enforcement to take a specific action, such as arresting a person or searching a property. Testimony, on the other hand, refers to the statement or evidence given by a witness under oath during legal proceedings, but it does not pertain to the legal request for a person's presence. Therefore, the subpoena is the most accurate term for this context.