Form 21.4 –  Warrant For Arrest Of Witness (Non-Appearance On Summons)

What this form is for

• • Use when a witness fails to appear after being properly summoned
• • Use when you need to compel a witness to attend court
• • Use only when other methods to secure attendance have failed
• • Do not use for witnesses who have legitimate reasons for absence
• • Use when the witness's testimony is material to the case

Use this form or another form?

Deadline or filing window

There is no strict deadline, but this form should be filed promptly after a witness fails to appear to avoid delays in your case proceedings.

Before you submit

• • Confirm witness was properly served with summons
• • Verify correct court and case details
• • Include full and accurate witness information
• • Attach evidence of the witness's non-appearance
• • Check if any supporting affidavits are required
• • Verify current filing fees
• • Confirm submission location and procedures

How to file this form

1. 1Obtain the official Form 21.4 from the Courts Service website or court office
2. 2Complete all sections with accurate witness and case information
3. 3Prepare supporting evidence of the witness's non-appearance
4. 4Submit the completed form to the relevant court office
5. 5Pay any required filing fees
6. 6Obtain a copy of the filed form for your records
7. 7Follow up with the court on the warrant status

Known limitations

• • This form cannot be used if the witness was not properly served with the original summons
• • The court may refuse to issue a warrant if there are legitimate reasons for the absence
• • This form only applies to witnesses, not to parties to the case
• • Arrest warrants are typically a last resort after other methods have failed