Laws: Cases and Codes : U.S. Code : Title 7 : Section 6308


   
U.S. Code as of: 01/03/05
Section 6308. Investigations and power to subpoena

    (a) Investigations
      The Secretary may make such investigations as the Secretary
    considers necessary - 
        (1) for the effective administration of this chapter; and
        (2) to determine whether any person has engaged or is engaging
      in any act that constitutes a violation of this chapter, or any
      order, rule, or regulation issued under this chapter.
    (b) Subpoenas, oaths, and affirmations
      (1) In general
        For the purpose of an investigation under subsection (a) of
      this section, the Secretary may administer oaths and
      affirmations, and issue a subpoena 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
      6306 or 6307 of this title, the presiding officer is authorized
      to administer oaths and affirmations, subpoena witnesses, compel
      their attendance, take evidence, and require the production of
      any records that are relevant to the inquiry. Such 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 issued
    to, any person, the Secretary may invoke the aid of any court of
    the United States within the jurisdiction of which such
    investigation or proceeding is carried on, or where such person
    resides or carries on business, in order to enforce a subpoena
    issued by the Secretary under subsection (b) of this section. The
    court may issue an order requiring such person to comply with such
    a subpoena.
    (d) Contempt
      Any failure to obey an order of the court under this section may
    be punished by such court as a contempt thereof.
    (e) Process
      Process in any such case may be served in the judicial district
    in which such person resides or conducts business or wherever such
    person may be found.
    (f) Hearing site
      The site of any hearings held under section 6306 or 6307 of this
    title shall be within the judicial district where such person
    resides or has a principal place of business.



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