US Codex
C.F.R.
Browse by date

View an earlier version

Latest
Current
Browse all versions by date
Notes

7 C.F.R. §§ 1.641–1.647

7 sections in range

§1.641. How may parties obtain discovery of information needed for the case?

7 C.F.R. § 1.641

(a)
General. By agreement of the parties or with the permission of the ALJ, a party may obtain discovery of information to assist the party in preparing or presenting its case. Available methods of discovery are:
(1)
Written interrogatories as provided in § 1.643;
(2)
Depositions of witnesses as provided in paragraph (h) of this section; and
(3)
Requests for production of designated documents or tangible things or for entry on designated land for inspection or other purposes.
(b)
Criteria. Discovery may occur only as agreed to by the parties or as authorized by the ALJ during a prehearing conference or in a written order under § 1.640(g). The ALJ may authorize discovery only if the party requesting discovery demonstrates:
(1)
That the discovery will not unreasonably delay the hearing process;
(2)
That the information sought—
(i)
Will be admissible at the hearing or appears reasonably calculated to lead to the discovery of admissible evidence;
(ii)
Is not already in the license proceeding record or otherwise obtainable by the party;
(iii)
Is not cumulative or repetitious; and
(iv)
Is not privileged or protected from disclosure by applicable law;
(3)
That the scope of the discovery is not unduly burdensome;
(4)
That the method to be used is the least burdensome method available;
(5)
That any trade secrets or proprietary information can be adequately safeguarded; and
(6)
That the standards for discovery under paragraphs (f) through (h) of this section have been met, if applicable.
(c)
Motions. A party may initiate discovery:
(1)
Pursuant to an agreement of the parties; or
(2)
By filing a motion that—
(i)
Briefly describes the proposed method(s), purpose, and scope of the discovery;
(ii)
Explains how the discovery meets the criteria in paragraphs (b)(1) through (b)(6) of this section; and
(iii)
Attaches a copy of any proposed discovery request (written interrogatories, notice of deposition, or request for production of designated documents or tangible things or for entry on designated land).
(d)
Timing of motions. A party must file any discovery motion under paragraph (c)(2) of this section within 7 days after the effective date stated in the referral notice under § 1.626(c)(4), 43 CFR 45.26(c)(4), or 50 CFR 221.26(c)(4).
(e)
Objections.
(1)
A party must file any objections to a discovery motion or to specific portions of a proposed discovery request within 7 days after service of the motion.
(2)
An objection must explain how, in the objecting party's view, the discovery sought does not meet the criteria in paragraphs (b)(1) through (6) of this section.
(f)
Materials prepared for hearing. A party generally may not obtain discovery of documents and tangible things otherwise discoverable under paragraph (b) of this section if they were prepared in anticipation of or for the hearing by or for another party's representative (including the party's attorney, expert, or consultant).
(1)
If a party wants to discover such materials, it must show:
(i)
That it has substantial need of the materials in preparing its own case; and
(ii)
That the party is unable without undue hardship to obtain the substantial equivalent of the materials by other means.
(2)
In ordering discovery of such materials when the required showing has been made, the ALJ must protect against disclosure of the mental impressions, conclusions, opinions, or legal theories of an attorney.
(g)
Experts. Unless restricted by the ALJ, a party may discover any facts known or opinions held by an expert through the methods set out in paragraph (a) of this section concerning any relevant matters that are not privileged. Such discovery will be permitted only if:
(1)
The expert is expected to be a witness at the hearing; or
(2)
The expert is relied on by another expert who is expected to be a witness at the hearing, and the party shows:
(i)
That it has a compelling need for the information; and
(ii)
That it cannot practicably obtain the information by other means.
(h)
Limitations on depositions.
(1)
A party may depose an expert or non-expert witness only if the party shows that the witness:
(i)
Will be unable to attend the hearing because of age, illness, or other incapacity; or
(ii)
Is unwilling to attend the hearing voluntarily, and the party is unable to compel the witness's attendance at the hearing by subpoena.
(2)
Paragraph (h)(1)(ii) of this section does not apply to any person employed by or under contract with the party seeking the deposition.
(3)
A party may depose a senior Department employee only if the party shows:
(i)
That the employee's testimony is necessary in order to provide significant, unprivileged information that is not available from any other source or by less burdensome means; and
(ii)
That the deposition would not significantly interfere with the employee's ability to perform his or her government duties.
(4)
Unless otherwise stipulated to by the parties or authorized by the ALJ upon a showing of extraordinary circumstances, a deposition is limited to 1 day of 7 hours.
(i)
Completion of discovery. All discovery must be completed within 25 days after the initial prehearing conference.
Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: 16 U.S.C. 797(e), 811, 823d.

Source

Source: 80 FR 17181, Mar. 31, 2015, unless otherwise noted.

Authority

Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301, unless otherwise noted.

§1.642. When must a party supplement or amend information it has previously provided?

7 C.F.R. § 1.642

(a)
Discovery. A party must promptly supplement or amend any prior response to a discovery request if it learns that the response:
(1)
Was incomplete or incorrect when made; or
(2)
Though complete and correct when made, is now incomplete or incorrect in any material respect.
(b)
Witnesses and exhibits.
(1)
Within 10 days after the date set for completion of discovery, each party must file an updated version of the list of witnesses and exhibits required under § 1.621(c), § 1.622(c), or § 1.625(c).
(2)
If a party wishes to include any new witness or exhibit on its updated list, it must provide an explanation of why it was not feasible for the party to include the witness or exhibit on its list under § 1.621(c), § 1.622(c), or § 1.625(c).
(c)
Failure to disclose.
(1)
A party will not be permitted to introduce as evidence at the hearing testimony from a witness or other information that it failed to disclose under § 1.621(c), § 1.622(c), or § 1.625(c), or paragraph (a) or (b) of this section.
(2)
Paragraph (c)(1) of this section does not apply if the failure to disclose was substantially justified or is harmless.
(3)
A party may object to the admission of evidence under paragraph (c)(1) of this section before or during the hearing.
(4)
The ALJ will consider the following in determining whether to exclude evidence under paragraphs (c)(1) through (3) of this section:
(i)
The prejudice to the objecting party;
(ii)
The ability of the objecting party to cure any prejudice;
(iii)
The extent to which presentation of the evidence would disrupt the orderly and efficient hearing of the case;
(iv)
The importance of the evidence; and
(v)
The reason for the failure to disclose, including any bad faith or willfulness regarding the failure.
Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: 16 U.S.C. 797(e), 811, 823d.

Source

Source: 80 FR 17181, Mar. 31, 2015, unless otherwise noted.

Authority

Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301, unless otherwise noted.

§1.643. What are the requirements for written interrogatories?

7 C.F.R. § 1.643

(a)
Motion; limitation. Except upon agreement of the parties:
(1)
A party wishing to propound interrogatories must file a motion under § 1.641(c); and
(2)
A party may propound no more than 25 interrogatories, counting discrete subparts as separate interrogatories, unless the ALJ approves a higher number upon a showing of good cause.
(b)
ALJ order. The ALJ will issue an order under § 1.641(b) with respect to any discovery motion requesting the use of written interrogatories. The order will:
(1)
Grant the motion and approve the use of some or all of the proposed interrogatories; or
(2)
Deny the motion.
(c)
Answers to interrogatories. Except upon agreement of the parties, the party to whom the proposed interrogatories are directed must file its answers to any interrogatories approved by the ALJ within 15 days after issuance of the order under paragraph (b) of this section.
(1)
Each approved interrogatory must be answered separately and fully in writing.
(2)
The party or its representative must sign the answers to interrogatories under oath or affirmation.
(d)
Access to records. A party's answer to an interrogatory is sufficient when:
(1)
The information may be obtained from an examination of records, or from a compilation, abstract, or summary based on such records;
(2)
The burden of obtaining the information from the records is substantially the same for all parties;
(3)
The answering party specifically identifies the individual records from which the requesting party may obtain the information and where the records are located; and
(4)
The answering party provides the requesting party with reasonable opportunity to examine the records and make a copy, compilation, abstract, or summary.
Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: 16 U.S.C. 797(e), 811, 823d.

Source

Source: 80 FR 17181, Mar. 31, 2015, unless otherwise noted.

Authority

Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301, unless otherwise noted.

§1.644. What are the requirements for depositions?

7 C.F.R. § 1.644

(a)
Motion and notice. Except upon agreement of the parties, a party wishing to take a deposition must file a motion under § 1.641(c). Any notice of deposition filed with the motion must state:
(1)
The time and place that the deposition is to be taken;
(2)
The name and address of the person before whom the deposition is to be taken;
(3)
The name and address of the witness whose deposition is to be taken; and
(4)
Any documents or materials that the witness is to produce.
(b)
ALJ order. The ALJ will issue an order under § 1.641(b) with respect to any discovery motion requesting the taking of a deposition. The order will:
(1)
Grant the motion and approve the taking of the deposition, subject to any conditions or restrictions the ALJ may impose; or
(2)
Deny the motion.
(c)
Arrangements. If the parties agree to or the ALJ approves the taking of the deposition, the party requesting the deposition must make appropriate arrangements for necessary facilities and personnel.
(1)
The deposition will be taken at the time and place agreed to by the parties or indicated in the ALJ's order.
(2)
The deposition may be taken before any disinterested person authorized to administer oaths in the place where the deposition is to be taken.
(3)
Any party that objects to the taking of a deposition because of the disqualification of the person before whom it is to be taken must do so:
(i)
Before the deposition begins; or
(ii)
As soon as the disqualification becomes known or could have been discovered with reasonable diligence.
(4)
A deposition may be taken by telephone conference call, if agreed to by the parties or approved in the ALJ's order.
(d)
Testimony. Each witness deposed must be placed under oath or affirmation, and the other parties must be given an opportunity for cross-examination.
(e)
Representation of witness. The witness being deposed may have counsel or another representative present during the deposition.
(f)
Recording and transcript. Except as provided in paragraph (g) of this section, the deposition must be stenographically recorded and transcribed at the expense of the party that requested the deposition.
(1)
Any other party may obtain a copy of the transcript at its own expense.
(2)
Unless waived by the deponent, the deponent will have 3 days after receiving the transcript to read and sign it.
(3)
The person before whom the deposition was taken must certify the transcript following receipt of the signed transcript from the deponent or expiration of the 3-day review period, whichever occurs first.
(g)
Video recording. The testimony at a deposition may be recorded on videotape, subject to any conditions or restrictions that the parties may agree to or the ALJ may impose, at the expense of the party requesting the recording.
(1)
The video recording may be in conjunction with an oral examination by telephone conference held under paragraph (c)(4) of this section.
(2)
After the deposition has been taken, the person recording the deposition must—
(i)
Provide a copy of the videotape to any party that requests it, at the requesting party's expense; and
(ii)
Attach to the videotape a statement identifying the case and the deponent and certifying the authenticity of the video recording.
(h)
Use of deposition. A deposition may be used at the hearing as provided in § 1.653.
Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: 16 U.S.C. 797(e), 811, 823d.

Source

Source: 80 FR 17181, Mar. 31, 2015, unless otherwise noted.

Authority

Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301, unless otherwise noted.

§1.645. What are the requirements for requests for documents or tangible things or entry on land?

7 C.F.R. § 1.645

(a)
Motion. Except upon agreement of the parties, a party wishing to request the production of designated documents or tangible things or entry on designated land must file a motion under § 1.641(c). A request may include any of the following that are in the possession, custody, or control of another party:
(1)
The production of designated documents for inspection and copying, other than documents that are already in the license proceeding record;
(2)
The production of designated tangible things for inspection, copying, testing, or sampling; or
(3)
Entry on designated land or other property for inspection and measuring, surveying, photographing, testing, or sampling either the property or any designated object or operation on the property.
(b)
ALJ order. The ALJ will issue an order under § 1.641(b) with respect to any discovery motion requesting the production of documents or tangible things or entry on land for inspection, copying, or other purposes. The order will:
(1)
Grant the motion and approve the use of some or all of the proposed requests; or
(2)
Deny the motion.
(c)
Compliance with order. Except upon agreement of the parties, the party to whom any approved request for production is directed must permit the approved inspection and other activities within 15 days after issuance of the order under paragraph (a) of this section.
Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: 16 U.S.C. 797(e), 811, 823d.

Source

Source: 80 FR 17181, Mar. 31, 2015, unless otherwise noted.

Authority

Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301, unless otherwise noted.

§1.646. What sanctions may the ALJ impose for failure to comply with discovery?

7 C.F.R. § 1.646

(a)
Upon motion of a party, the ALJ may impose sanctions under paragraph (b) of this section if any party:
(1)
Fails to comply with an order approving discovery; or
(2)
Fails to supplement or amend a response to discovery under § 1.642(a).
(b)
The ALJ may impose one or more of the following sanctions:
(1)
Infer that the information, testimony, document, or other evidence withheld would have been adverse to the party;
(2)
Order that, for the purposes of the hearing, designated facts are established;
(3)
Order that the party not introduce into evidence, or otherwise rely on to support its case, any information, testimony, document, or other evidence:
(i)
That the party improperly withheld; or
(ii)
That the party obtained from another party in discovery;
(4)
Allow another party to use secondary evidence to show what the information, testimony, document, or other evidence withheld would have shown; or
(5)
Take other appropriate action to remedy the party's failure to comply.
Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: 16 U.S.C. 797(e), 811, 823d.

Source

Source: 80 FR 17181, Mar. 31, 2015, unless otherwise noted.

Authority

Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301, unless otherwise noted.

§1.647. What are the requirements for subpoenas and witness fees?

7 C.F.R. § 1.647

(a)
Request for subpoena.
(1)
Except as provided in paragraph (a)(2) of this section, any party may request by written motion that the ALJ issue a subpoena to the extent authorized by law for the attendance of a person, the giving of testimony, or the production of documents or other relevant evidence during discovery or for the hearing.
(2)
A party may request a subpoena for a senior Department employee only if the party shows:
(i)
That the employee's testimony is necessary in order to provide significant, unprivileged information that is not available from any other source or by less burdensome means; and
(ii)
That the employee's attendance would not significantly interfere with the ability to perform his or her government duties.
(b)
Service.
(1)
A subpoena may be served by any person who is not a party and is 18 years of age or older.
(2)
Service must be made by hand delivering a copy of the subpoena to the person named therein.
(3)
The person serving the subpoena must—
(i)
Prepare a certificate of service setting forth—
(A)
The date, time, and manner of service; or
(B)
The reason for any failure of service; and
(ii)
Swear to or affirm the certificate, attach it to a copy of the subpoena, and return it to the party on whose behalf the subpoena was served.
(c)
Witness fees.
(1)
A party who subpoenas a witness who is not a party must pay him or her the same fees and mileage expenses that are paid witnesses in the district courts of the United States.
(2)
A witness who is not a party and who attends a deposition or hearing at the request of any party without having been subpoenaed is entitled to the same fees and mileage expenses as if he or she had been subpoenaed. However, this paragraph does not apply to Federal employees who are called as witnesses by the Forest Service or another Department.
(d)
Motion to quash.
(1)
A person to whom a subpoena is directed may request by motion that the ALJ quash or modify the subpoena.
(2)
The motion must be filed:
(i)
Within 5 days after service of the subpoena; or
(ii)
At or before the time specified in the subpoena for compliance, if that is less than 5 days after service of the subpoena.
(3)
The ALJ may quash or modify the subpoena if it:
(i)
Is unreasonable;
(ii)
Requires production of information during discovery that is not discoverable; or
(iii)
Requires disclosure of irrelevant, privileged, or otherwise protected information.
(e)
Enforcement. For good cause shown, the ALJ may apply to the appropriate United States District Court for the issuance of an order compelling the appearance and testimony of a witness or the production of evidence as set forth in a subpoena that has been duly issued and served.
Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: 16 U.S.C. 797(e), 811, 823d.

Source

Source: 80 FR 17181, Mar. 31, 2015, unless otherwise noted.

Authority

Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301, unless otherwise noted.