This summary is not the rule. The rule text controls.
If you're involved in a criminal case, you can ask the court to make sure certain witnesses show up. This applies whether you're the defendant, the prosecutor, or even if the court itself wants a witness present. Once someone asks for a witness to be called, the court will issue the legal paperwork needed to require that person to attend.
This means defendants have the right to bring in witnesses who can help their case, not just witnesses the prosecution wants to call. Prosecutors have the same right to secure witnesses they need. The court can also step in and ensure certain witnesses appear if it decides their testimony is needed. In simple terms, this rule guarantees that all sides have a fair chance to get the witnesses they need in front of the court.
