---
kind: "section"
citation: "45 C.F.R. § 702.5"
title: "45"
number: "702.5"
heading: "Conduct of proceedings."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/45/702.5"
---

# §702.5. Conduct of proceedings.

- (a) The Chairperson shall announce in an opening statement the subject of the proceedings.
- (b) Following the opening statement, the Commission shall first convene in executive session if one is required pursuant to the provisions of [§ 702.6](/cfr/45/702.6.md).
- (c) **The Chairperson, subject to the approval of the Commission, shall—**
  - (1) Set the order of presentation of evidence and appearance of witnesses;
  - (2) Rule on objections and motions;
  - (3) Administer oaths and affirmations;
  - (4) Make all rulings with respect to the introduction into or exclusion from the record of documentary or other evidence;
  - (5) Regulate the course and decorum of the proceedings and the conduct of the parties and their counsel to ensure that the proceedings are conducted in a fair and impartial manner.
- (d) Proceedings shall be conducted with reasonable dispatch and due regard shall be had for the convenience and necessity of witnesses.
- (e) The questioning of witnesses shall be conducted only by Members of the Commission, by authorized Commission staff personnel, or by counsel to the extent provided in [§ 702.7](/cfr/45/702.7.md).
- (f) In addition to persons served with a copy of the rules in this part pursuant to §§ [702.4](/cfr/45/702.4.md) and [702.6](/cfr/45/702.6.md), a copy of the rules in this part will be made available to all witnesses.
- (g) The Chairperson may punish breaches of order and decorum by censure and exclusion from the proceedings.

## Notes

### Authority

Authority: 42 U.S.C. 1975, 1975a, 1975b.

### Source

Source: 67 FR 70482, Nov. 22, 2002, unless otherwise noted.