§ 2115. — Investigations by Secretary; subpenas; oaths and affirmations; judicial aid.
[Laws in effect as of January 7, 2003]
[Document not affected by Public Laws enacted between
January 7, 2003 and December 19, 2003]
[CITE: 7USC2115]
TITLE 7--AGRICULTURE
CHAPTER 53--COTTON RESEARCH AND PROMOTION
Sec. 2115. Investigations by Secretary; subpenas; oaths and
affirmations; judicial aid
The Secretary may make such investigations as he deems necessary for
the effective carrying out of his responsibilities under this chapter or
to determine whether a handler or any other person has engaged or is
about to engage in any acts or practices which constitute or will
constitute a violation of any provision of this chapter or of any order,
or rule or regulation issued under this chapter. For the purpose of any
such investigation, the Secretary is empowered to administer oaths and
affirmations, subpena witnesses, compel their attendance, take evidence,
and require the production of any books, papers, and documents which 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.
In case of contumacy by, or refusal to obey a subpena issued to, any
person, including a handler, 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 requiring the attendance and testimony of
witnesses and the production of books, papers, and documents; and such
court may issue an order requiring such person to appear before the
Secretary, there to produce records, if so ordered, or to give testimony
touching the matter under investigation. Any failure to obey such order
of the court may be punished by such court as a contempt thereof. All
process in any such case may be served in the judicial district whereof
such person is an inhabitant or wherever he may be found.
(Pub. L. 89-502, Sec. 16, July 13, 1966, 80 Stat. 285; Pub. L. 91-452,
title II, Sec. 206(a), Oct. 15, 1970, 84 Stat. 929.)
Amendments
1970--Pub. L. 91-452 struck out designation ``(a)'' preceding first
sentence and struck out subsec. (b) which related to immunity from
prosecution of any individual compelled to testify or produce evidence,
documentary or otherwise, after claiming his privilege against self-
incrimination.
Effective Date of 1970 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 91-452 effective on sixtieth day following Oct.
15, 1970, and not to affect any immunity to which any individual is
entitled under this section by reason of any testimony given before
sixtieth day following Oct. 15, 1970, see section 260 of Pub. L. 91-452,
set out as an Effective Date; Savings Provision note under section 6001
of Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure.
