§ 7108. — Investigations and power to subpoena.
[Laws in effect as of January 24, 2002]
[Document not affected by Public Laws enacted between
January 24, 2002 and December 19, 2002]
[CITE: 7USC7108]
TITLE 7--AGRICULTURE
CHAPTER 99--SHEEP PROMOTION, RESEARCH, AND INFORMATION
Sec. 7108. 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; or
(2) to determine whether any person subject to this chapter has
engaged, or is about to engage, in any action that constitutes or
will constitute a violation of this chapter, or of any order or
regulation issued under this chapter.
(b) Subpoenas, oaths, and affirmations
For the purpose of any investigation under subsection (a) of this
section, the Secretary may 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 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. The court may issue an order requiring the
person to appear before the Secretary to produce records 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.
(Pub. L. 103-407, Sec. 9, Oct. 22, 1994, 108 Stat. 4226.)
