§ 2020.030.Application of Evidence Code provisions to deposition subpoena
Title 4. Civil Discovery Act · Chapter 6. Nonparty Discovery · Article 1. General Provisions · Enacted 2004 · no amendments on record · Last verified July 29, 2026
Full Text of § 2020.030
Plain-English Summary
Rather than rebuild every subpoena rule from scratch, this section borrows what already exists. The general subpoena statutes that apply to any subpoena in California, found in Chapter 2 of Title 3 starting at Section 1985, govern a deposition subpoena too, along with the Evidence Code's own provisions on business records affidavits in Article 4 of Chapter 2 of Division 11, starting at Section 1560.
That borrowing only goes so far, though. Wherever this chapter's own rules modify the general framework, whether on issuance, service, or the specific content requirements for each subpoena type, the modification controls. The general statutes fill in gaps; they don't override what the Discovery Act specifically provides for deposition subpoenas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do the general subpoena statutes still apply to a deposition subpoena?
Yes, except where this chapter modifies them. Section 2020.030 incorporates Chapter 2 of Title 3, starting at Section 1985.
Do the Evidence Code's business records rules apply to a deposition subpoena for records?
Yes. Article 4 of Chapter 2 of Division 11 of the Evidence Code, starting at Section 1560, applies except as modified by this chapter.
What happens when the general subpoena statutes conflict with this chapter's specific rules?
This chapter's rules control, since the general statutes apply only except as modified here.
Amendment History
(Added by Stats.2004, c. 182 (A.B.3081), § 23, operative July 1, 2005.)