§ 4816. — Investigations.
[Laws in effect as of January 24, 2002]
[Document not affected by Public Laws enacted between
January 24, 2002 and December 19, 2002]
[CITE: 7USC4816]
TITLE 7--AGRICULTURE
CHAPTER 79--PORK PROMOTION, RESEARCH, AND CONSUMER INFORMATION
Sec. 4816. Investigations
(a) Purposes
The Secretary may make such investigations as the Secretary
considers necessary--
(1) for the effective administration of this chapter; or
(2) to determine whether a person subject to this chapter has
engaged, or is about to engage, in an act that constitutes, or will
constitute, a violation of this chapter or an order, rule, or
regulation issued under this chapter.
(b) Oaths and affirmations; subpenas
(1) For the purpose of such investigation, the Secretary may
administer oaths and affirmations, subpoena witnesses, compel their
attendance, take evidence, and require the production of any records
that are relevant to the inquiry.
(2) Such attendance of witnesses and the production of such records
may be required from any place in the United States.
(c) Judicial enforcement; contempt proceedings; service of process
(1) In the case of contumacy, or refusal to obey a subpoena, by a
person, the Secretary may invoke the aid of a court of the United States
with jurisdiction over such investigation or proceeding, or where such
person resides or does business, in requiring the attendance and
testimony of such person and the production of such records.
(2) The court may issue an order requiring such person to appear
before the Secretary to produce records or to give testimony touching
the matter under investigation.
(3) A failure to obey an order issued under this section by the
court may be punished by the court as a contempt thereof.
(4) Process in such case may be served in the judicial district in
which such person is an inhabitant or wherever such person may be found.
(Pub. L. 99-198, title XVI, Sec. 1627, Dec. 23, 1985, 99 Stat. 1621.)
