A praecipe is a writ commanding the Clerk of Court to issue a subpoena or summons. Praecipes are governed by federal, state, and local laws, which vary by area.
The following is an example of a state statute dealings with praecipes:
§ 2303.11. Writs to issue on praecipe.
All writs and orders for provisional remedies, and process of every kind, shall be issued by the clerk of the court of common pleas; but before they are issued a praecipe shall be filed with the clerk demanding the same.
