Not a dumb question: a subpoena is an order to provide information or access, while a warrant is a court-issued document authorizing the government (or an agent

Not a dumb question: a subpoena is an order to provide information or access, while a warrant is a court-issued document authorizing the government (or an agent of the government) to perform an act (e.g., an arrest, or seizure of an item). Subpoenas can be issued by attorneys (including prosecuting attorneys) as part of the investigative and discovery processes.