What should be done if a witness fails to appear for a trial?

The appropriate course of action when a witness fails to appear for a trial is to potentially issue a subpoena for their attendance. A subpoena is a legal document that requires an individual to attend court as a witness. If a witness does not show up, this suggests that they may need to be compelled to testify, especially if their testimony is vital to the case.

Issuing a subpoena serves as a formal method to enforce the witness's attendance, ensuring that the court can obtain the necessary evidence for proceedings. Additionally, it shows the court's commitment to upholding the legal process and ensures that all relevant information is available for consideration.

Addressing the other options, ignoring the absence would undermine the trial's integrity and potentially diminish the ability to present a complete case. Reading their statement aloud may not be permissible depending on specific evidentiary rules, and merely postponing the trial could lead to unnecessary delays and further complications in the legal process. Thus, issuing a subpoena is the most effective means of addressing a witness's failure to appear.