Yes, that's what a subpoena is. And it can be done in pretty much any legal system.
If you're on trial for murder, and your alibi is 'I was at work', you're going to need your boss to come in to testify on your behalf. If he doesn't feel like it, the court will compel him to show up and testify, on his time, and on his expense, under penalty of prejury.
This is a good thing.