What is a key difference between a court order and a subpoena?

The distinction highlighted in the correct answer emphasizes that a court order has the authority to compel actions or disclosures, and non-compliance can be legally contested through an appeal process. This means that an individual who receives a court order is required to comply, but also has the right to challenge the order through the legal system if they believe it is unjust or unwarranted.

In contrast, a subpoena is generally a document issued to compel an individual to appear in court or produce certain documents but does not inherently have the same level of judicial authority as a court order. While a subpoena must be complied with, individuals can typically challenge its validity or scope before the court which issued it.

This understanding is crucial for distinguishing between these two legal instruments in the context of legal proceedings, particularly for professionals in the field of psychology who may deal with legal issues regarding client confidentiality and the obligations to provide information.