In what scenario can a witness be exempt from appearing in court despite being subpoenaed?

A witness may be exempt from appearing in court if they reside outside Georgia due to the legal principle pertaining to the jurisdiction and the enforceability of subpoenas. When a witness lives outside the geographical area where the court is located, the court may not have the authority to compel the witness to appear. In such cases, the court typically acknowledges that enforcing a subpoena on a non-resident can involve logistical challenges and costs that make compliance impractical.

This option highlights the limitations of legal reach across state lines, as jurisdictions can vary, and often a witness needs to be properly within the court's jurisdiction to be obligated to comply with a subpoena. Assuming the witness properly informs the court or the issuing party of their outside residency, this could provide a valid reason for non-appearance in court.