Learn About The Law
Get help with your legal needs
FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.
Current as of January 01, 2024 | Updated by Findlaw Staff
(a)In general
The Secretary may make such investigations as the Secretary considers necessary--
(1) for the effective carrying out of the responsibilities of the Secretary under this subchapter; or
(2) to determine whether a person subject to this subchapter has engaged or is engaging in any act that constitutes a violation of this subchapter, or any order, rule, or regulation issued under this subchapter.
(b)Power to subpoena
(1)Investigations
For the purpose of an investigation made under subsection (a), the Secretary may administer oaths and affirmations and may issue subpoenas to require the production of any records that are relevant to the inquiry. The production of any such records may be required from any place in the United States.
(2)Administrative hearings
For the purpose of an administrative hearing held under section 7467 or 7468 of this title, the presiding officer is authorized to administer oaths and affirmations, subpoena witnesses, compel the attendance of witnesses, take evidence, and require the production of any records that are relevant to the inquiry. The attendance of witnesses and the production of any such records may be required from any place in the United States.
(c)Aid of courts
In the case of contumacy by, or refusal to obey a subpoena to, any person, the Secretary may invoke the aid of any court of the United States within the jurisdiction of which the investigation or proceeding is carried on, or where the person resides or carries on business, to enforce a subpoena issued by the Secretary under subsection (b). The court may issue an order requiring the person to comply with the subpoena.
(d)Contempt
Any failure to obey the order of the court may be punished by the court as a contempt of the court.
(e)Process
Process in any such case may be served in the judicial district in which the person resides or carries on business or wherever the person may be found.
(f)Hearing site
The site of any hearing held under section 7467 or 7468 of this title shall be in the judicial district where the person affected by the hearing resides or has a principal place of business.
Cite this article: FindLaw.com - 7 U.S.C. § 7469 - U.S. Code - Unannotated Title 7. Agriculture § 7469. Investigations and power to subpoena - last updated January 01, 2024 | https://codes.findlaw.com/us/title-7-agriculture/7-usc-sect-7469/
FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. Please verify the status of the code you are researching with the state legislature before relying on it for your legal needs.
A free source of state and federal court opinions, state laws, and the United States Code. For more information about the legal concepts addressed by these cases and statutes, visit FindLaw’s Learn About the Law.
Get help with your legal needs
FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.
Search our directory by legal issue
Enter information in one or both fields (Required)