Alabama § 12-21-402 - Foreign Subpoena; Request; Issuance.
Full text of Alabama Code of Alabama § 12-21-402 — Foreign Subpoena; Request; Issuance., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 12-21-402. Foreign Subpoena; Request; Issuance.
(a) To request issuance of a subpoena under this section, a party must submit a foreign subpoena to a clerk of the circuit court in the county in which discovery is sought to be conducted in this state. A request for the issuance of a subpoena under this article does not constitute an appearance in the courts of this state.
(b) When a party submits a foreign subpoena to a clerk of the circuit court in this state, the clerk, in accordance with that court’s procedure, shall promptly issue a subpoena for service upon the person to which the foreign subpoena is directed.
(c) A subpoena under subsection (b) must:
(1) Incorporate the terms used in the foreign subpoena.
(2) Contain or be accompanied by the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of all counsel of record in the proceeding to which the subpoena relates and of any party not represented by counsel.
(3) Plainly and prominently state on its face: “THE RECIPIENT OF THIS SUBPOENA HAS THE RIGHT TO OBJECT TO THIS SUBPOENA WITHIN FIFTEEN (15) DAYS OF PROPER SERVICE BY SUBMITTING A REASONABLY SPECIFIC WRITTEN OBJECTION TO THE PARTY INITIATING THE SUBPOENA AS WELL AS THE LOCAL ISSUING CLERK OF THE COURT AT THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS: [ADDRESS OF CLERK OF COURT].”
Source: official Alabama text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama § 12-21-402
What does Code of Alabama § 12-21-402 cover?
Section 12-21-402 ("Foreign Subpoena; Request; Issuance.") is part of the Code of Alabama, the codified statutory law of Alabama. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Alabama § 12-21-402?
A common citation format is "Code of Alabama § 12-21-402" (Alabama). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Alabama law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Alabama official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Alabama attorney.
How does Alabama § 12-21-402 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Alabama can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Alabama.