Which of the following is NOT a type of document that can be filed in court?

• A. Subpoena
• B. Pleadings
• C. Motions
• D. Other paper (discovery)

Answer: (A)

At its core, the distinction is between documents you file with the court and papers you issue to third parties. Pleadings are the initial and responsive documents filed with the court to start or answer a case. Motions are formal requests filed with the court asking for a ruling. Discovery papers fall into the same general filing stream when they become part of a court record or are attached to a motion or pleading, though the actual discovery requests are usually served on the other party rather than filed separately.

A subpoena, by contrast, is not filed with the court. It’s a command directing a person or organization to appear or produce evidence, typically issued to someone outside the court filing process and served on them. So the subpoena is the document that isn’t filed in court.