2018 US Code
Title 7 - Agriculture
Chapter 101 - Agricultural Promotion
Subchapter II - Issuance of Orders for Promotion, Research, and Information Activities Regarding Agricultural Commodities
Sec. 7420 - Investigations and power to subpoena

Download PDF
Citation 7 U.S.C. § 7420 (2018)
Section Name §7420. Investigations and power to subpoena
Section Text (a) Investigations

The Secretary may make such investigations as the Secretary considers necessary—

(1) for the effective administration of this subchapter; or

(2) to determine whether any person subject to this subchapter has engaged, or is about to engage, in any action that constitutes or will constitute a violation of this subchapter or any order or regulation issued under this subchapter.

(b) Subpoenas, oaths, and affirmations

For the purpose of any investigation under subsection (a), the Secretary may administer oaths and affirmations, subpoena witnesses, compel the attendance of witnesses, take evidence, and require the production of any records or documents that are relevant to the inquiry. The attendance of witnesses and the production of records or documents 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 the investigation or proceeding is carried on, or where the person resides or carries on business, in order to require the attendance and testimony of the person or the production of records or documents. The court may issue an order requiring the person to appear before the Secretary to produce records or documents or to give testimony regarding the matter under investigation.

(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 case under this section may be served in the judicial district in which the person resides or carries on business or wherever the person may be found.

Source Credit

(Pub. L. 104–127, title V, §521, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1047.)

Publication Title United States Code, 2018 Edition, Title 7 - AGRICULTURE
Category Bills and Statutes
Collection United States Code
SuDoc Class Number Y 1.2/5:
Contained Within Title 7 - AGRICULTURE
CHAPTER 101 - AGRICULTURAL PROMOTION
SUBCHAPTER II - ISSUANCE OF ORDERS FOR PROMOTION, RESEARCH, AND INFORMATION ACTIVITIES REGARDING AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES
Sec. 7420 - Investigations and power to subpoena
Contains section 7420
Date 2018
Laws In Effect As Of Date January 14, 2019
Positive Law No
Disposition standard
Statutes at Large References 110 Stat. 1047
Public Law References Public Law 104-127
Disclaimer: These codes may not be the most recent version. United States may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.