Who may request subpoenas of witnesses in a municipal court trial?

• A. The judge
• B. The prosecutor
• C. The defendant
• D. The clerk

Answer: (C)

Subpoenas are used to compel witness attendance, which is essential for presenting a defense. In a municipal court trial, the defendant has the right to call witnesses and to secure their appearance by requesting subpoenas. This right to compulsory process means the defendant can request subpoenas for individuals who can testify in support of their case. The judge can issue subpoenas based on a proper request, and the clerk serves them, but the defendant is the party who initiates subpoenas for defense witnesses. The prosecutor can also request subpoenas for the state's witnesses, but the focus of this question is on who may initiate subpoenas to obtain testimony for the defendant's case, which is the defendant. The clerk does not initiate subpoenas; they carry out service on the court's order.