A subpoena is not valid unless the municipal court seal is impressed on it.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. It is valid without a court seal
• D. It must be signed by the clerk

Answer: (B)

Subpoenas derive their force from proper authority and correct service, not from a court seal. In municipal court practice, the document is issued by the clerk or by an attorney authorized to issue subpoenas, and it must clearly command appearance or production and be properly served. The seal is a traditional mark of authenticity, but its absence does not automatically make the subpoena invalid unless a local rule specifically requires a seal. Therefore, a subpoena can be valid without a court seal.