---
kind: "range"
citation: "16 U.S.C. §§ 825e–825p"
title: "16"
from: "825e"
to: "825p"
count: 13
release: "119-102"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/16/825e..825p"
---

# §825e. Complaints


Any [person](/usc/16/450rr–1.md?p=b), [electric utility](/usc/16/796.md?p=22-A), [State](/usc/16/6456.md?p=2), [municipality](/usc/16/2708.md?p=a-7), or [State commission](/usc/16/796.md?p=21) complaining of anything done or omitted to be done by any [licensee](/usc/16/796.md?p=5), [transmitting utility](/usc/16/796.md?p=23), or public utility in contravention of the provisions of this chapter may apply to the [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3) by petition which shall briefly [state](/usc/16/6456.md?p=2) the facts, whereupon a statement of the complaint thus made shall be forwarded by the [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3) to such [licensee](/usc/16/796.md?p=5), [transmitting utility](/usc/16/796.md?p=23), or public utility, who shall be called upon to satisfy the complaint or to answer the same in writing within a reasonable time to be specified by the [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3). If such [licensee](/usc/16/796.md?p=5), [transmitting utility](/usc/16/796.md?p=23), or public utility shall not satisfy the complaint within the time specified or there shall appear to be any reasonable ground for investigating such complaint, it shall be the duty of the [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3) to investigate the matters complained of in such manner and by such means as it shall find proper.


# §825f. Investigations by Commission

- (a) **Scope—** The [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3) may investigate any facts, conditions, practices, or matters which it may find necessary or proper in order to determine whether any [person](/usc/16/450rr–1.md?p=b), [electric utility](/usc/16/796.md?p=22-A), [transmitting utility](/usc/16/796.md?p=23), or other entity has violated or is about to violate any provision of this chapter or any rule, regulation, or order thereunder, or to aid in the enforcement of the provisions of this chapter or in prescribing rules or regulations thereunder, or in obtaining information to serve as a basis for recommending further legislation concerning the matters to which this chapter relates, or in obtaining information about the sale of electric energy at wholesale in interstate commerce and the transmission of electric energy in interstate commerce. The [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3) may permit any [person](/usc/16/450rr–1.md?p=b), [electric utility](/usc/16/796.md?p=22-A), [transmitting utility](/usc/16/796.md?p=23), or other entity to file with it a statement in writing under oath or otherwise, as it shall determine, as to any or all facts and circumstances concerning a matter which may be the subject of investigation. The [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3), in its discretion, may publish or make available to [State commissions](/usc/16/796.md?p=21) information concerning any such subject.
- (b) **Attendance of witnesses and production of documents—** For the purpose of any investigation or any other proceeding under this chapter, any member of the [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3), or any officer designated by it, is empowered to administer oaths and affirmations, subpena witnesses, compel their attendance, take evidence, and require the production of any books, papers, correspondence, memoranda, contracts, agreements, or other records which the [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3) finds relevant or material to the inquiry. Such attendance of witnesses and the production of any such records may be required from any place in the United States at any designated place of hearing. Witnesses summoned by the [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3) to appear before it shall be paid the same fees and mileage that are paid witnesses in the courts of the United States.
- (c) **Resort to courts of United States for failure to obey subpena; punishment—** In case of contumacy by, or refusal to obey a subpena issued to, any [person](/usc/16/450rr–1.md?p=b), the [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3) 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](/usc/16/450rr–1.md?p=b) resides or carries on business, in requiring the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of books, papers, correspondence, memoranda, contracts, agreements, and other records. Such court may issue an order requiring such [person](/usc/16/450rr–1.md?p=b) to appear before the [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3) or member or officer designated by the [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3), there to produce records, if so ordered, or to give testimony touching the matter under investigation or in question; and 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](/usc/16/450rr–1.md?p=b) is an inhabitant or wherever he may be found or may be doing business. Any [person](/usc/16/450rr–1.md?p=b) who willfully shall fail or refuse to attend and testify or to answer any lawful inquiry or to produce books, papers, correspondence, memoranda, contracts, agreements, or other records, if in his or its power so to do, in obedience to the subpena of the [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3), shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be subject to a fine of not more than $1,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than one year, or both.
- (d) **Testimony by deposition—** The testimony of any witness may be taken, at the instance of a party, in any proceeding or investigation pending before the [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3), by deposition, at any time after the proceeding is at issue. The [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3) may also order testimony to be taken by deposition in any proceeding or investigation pending before it, at any stage of such proceeding or investigation. Such depositions may be taken before any [person](/usc/16/450rr–1.md?p=b) authorized to administer oaths not being of counsel or attorney to either of the parties, nor interested in the proceeding or investigation. Reasonable notice must first be given in writing by the party or his attorney proposing to take such deposition to the opposite party or his attorney of record, as either may be nearest, which notice shall [state](/usc/16/6456.md?p=2) the name of the witness and the time and place of the taking of his deposition. Any [person](/usc/16/450rr–1.md?p=b) may be compelled to appear and depose, and to produce documentary evidence, in the same manner as witnesses may be compelled to appear and testify and produce documentary evidence before the [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3), as hereinbefore provided. Such testimony shall be reduced to writing by the [person](/usc/16/450rr–1.md?p=b) taking the deposition, or under his direction, and shall, after it has been reduced to writing, be subscribed by the deponent.
- (e) **Deposition of witness in a foreign country—** If a witness whose testimony may be desired to be taken by deposition be in a foreign country, the deposition may be taken before an officer or [person](/usc/16/450rr–1.md?p=b) designated by the [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3), or agreed upon by the parties by stipulation in writing to be filed with the [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3). All depositions must be promptly filed with the [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3).
- (f) **Deposition fees—** Witnesses whose depositions are taken as authorized in this chapter, and the [person](/usc/16/450rr–1.md?p=b) or officer taking the same, shall be entitled to the same fees as are paid for like services in the courts of the United States.

# §825g. Hearings; rules of procedure

- (a) Hearings under this chapter may be held before the [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3), any member or members thereof or any [representative](/usc/16/5609.md?p=13) of the [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3) designated by it, and appropriate records thereof shall be kept. In any proceeding before it, the [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3), in accordance with such rules and regulations as it may prescribe, may admit as a party any interested [State](/usc/16/6456.md?p=2), [State commission](/usc/16/796.md?p=21), [municipality](/usc/16/2708.md?p=a-7), or any [representative](/usc/16/5609.md?p=13) of interested consumers or [security](/usc/16/796.md?p=16) holders, or any competitor of a party to such proceeding, or any other [person](/usc/16/450rr–1.md?p=b) whose participation in the proceeding may be in the public interest.
- (b) All hearings, investigations, and proceedings under this chapter shall be governed by rules of practice and procedure to be adopted by the [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3), and in the conduct thereof the technical rules of evidence need not be applied. No informality in any hearing, investigation, or proceeding or in the manner of taking testimony shall invalidate any order, decision, rule, or regulation issued under the authority of this chapter.

# §825h. Administrative powers of Commission; rules, regulations, and orders


The [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3) shall have power to perform any and all acts, and to prescribe, issue, make, amend, and rescind such orders, rules, and regulations as it may find necessary or appropriate to carry out the provisions of this chapter. Among other things, such rules and regulations may define accounting, technical, and trade terms used in this chapter; and may prescribe the form or forms of all statements, declarations, applications, and reports to be filed with the [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3), the information which they shall contain, and the time within which they shall be filed. Unless a different date is specified therein, rules and regulations of the [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3) shall be effective thirty days after publication in the manner which the [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3) shall prescribe. Orders of the [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3) shall be effective on the date and in the manner which the [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3) shall prescribe. For the purposes of its rules and regulations, the [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3) may classify [persons](/usc/16/450rr–1.md?p=b) and matters within its jurisdiction and prescribe different requirements for different classes of [persons](/usc/16/450rr–1.md?p=b) or matters. All rules and regulations of the [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3) shall be filed with its [secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) and shall be kept open in convenient form for public inspection and examination during reasonable business hours.


# §825i. Appointment of officers and employees; compensation


The [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3) is authorized to appoint and fix the compensation of such officers, attorneys, examiners, and experts as may be necessary for carrying out its functions under this chapter; and the [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3) may, subject to civil-service laws, appoint such other officers and employees as are necessary for carrying out such functions and fix their salaries in accordance with [chapter 51](/usc/16/ch51.md) and subchapter III of [chapter 53](/usc/5/chptIII-sptD-ch53.md) of title 5.


# §825j. Investigations relating to electric energy; reports to Congress


In order to secure information necessary or appropriate as a basis for recommending legislation, the [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3) is authorized and directed to conduct investigations regarding the generation, transmission, distribution, and sale of electric energy, however produced, throughout the United States and its possessions, whether or not otherwise subject to the jurisdiction of the [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3), including the generation, transmission, distribution, and sale of electric energy by any agency, authority, or instrumentality of the United States, or of any [State](/usc/16/6456.md?p=2) or [municipality](/usc/16/2708.md?p=a-7) or other political [subdivision](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=15) of a [State](/usc/16/6456.md?p=2). It shall, so far as practicable, secure and keep current information regarding the ownership, operation, management, and control of all facilities for such generation, transmission, distribution, and sale; the capacity and output thereof and the relationship between the two; the cost of generation, transmission, and distribution; the rates, charges, and contracts in respect of the sale of electric energy and its service to residential, rural, commercial, and industrial consumers and other purchasers by private and public agencies; and the relation of any or all such facts to the development of navigation, industry, commerce, and the national defense. The [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3) shall report to Congress the results of investigations made under authority of this section.


# §825k. Publication and sale of reports


The [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3) may provide for the publication of its reports and decisions in such form and manner as may be best adapted for public information and use, and is authorized to sell at reasonable prices copies of all [maps](/usc/16/430f–7.md?p=1), atlases, and reports as it may from time to time publish. Such reasonable prices may include the cost of compilation, composition, and reproduction. The [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3) is also authorized to make such charges as it deems reasonable for special statistical services and other special or periodic services. The amounts collected under this section shall be deposited in the Treasury to the credit of miscellaneous receipts. All printing for the Federal Power [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3) making use of engraving, lithography, and photolithography, together with the plates for the same, shall be contracted for and performed under the direction of the [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3), under such limitations and conditions as the Joint [Committee](/usc/16/941b.md?p=1) on Printing may from time to time prescribe, and all other printing for the [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3) shall be done by the Director of the Government Publishing Office under such limitations and conditions as the Joint [Committee](/usc/16/941b.md?p=1) on Printing may from time to time prescribe. The entire work may be done at, or ordered through, the Government Publishing Office whenever, in the judgment of the Joint [Committee](/usc/16/941b.md?p=1) on Printing, the same would be to the interest of the Government: Provided, That when the exigencies of the public service so require, the Joint [Committee](/usc/16/941b.md?p=1) on Printing may authorize the [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3) to make immediate contracts for engraving, lithographing, and photolithographing, without advertisement for [proposals](/usc/16/7302.md?p=3): Provided further, That nothing contained in this chapter or any other Act shall prevent the Federal Power [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3) from placing orders with other departments or establishments for engraving, lithographing, and photolithographing, in accordance with the provisions of sections [1535](/usc/31/1535.md) and [1536](/usc/31/1536.md) of title 31, providing for interdepartmental work.


# §825l. Review of orders

- (a) **Application for rehearing; time periods; modification of order—** Any [person](/usc/16/450rr–1.md?p=b), [electric utility](/usc/16/796.md?p=22-A), [State](/usc/16/6456.md?p=2), [municipality](/usc/16/2708.md?p=a-7), or [State commission](/usc/16/796.md?p=21) aggrieved by an order issued by the [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3) in a proceeding under this chapter to which such [person](/usc/16/450rr–1.md?p=b), [electric utility](/usc/16/796.md?p=22-A), [State](/usc/16/6456.md?p=2), [municipality](/usc/16/2708.md?p=a-7), or [State commission](/usc/16/796.md?p=21) is a party may apply for a rehearing within thirty days after the issuance of such order. The application for rehearing shall set forth specifically the ground or grounds upon which such application is based. Upon such application the [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3) shall have power to grant or deny rehearing or to abrogate or modify its order without further hearing. Unless the [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3) acts upon the application for rehearing within thirty days after it is filed, such application may be deemed to have been denied. No proceeding to review any order of the [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3) shall be brought by any entity unless such entity shall have made application to the [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3) for a rehearing thereon. Until the record in a proceeding shall have been filed in a court of appeals, as provided in [subsection (b)](#b), the [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3) may at any time, upon reasonable notice and in such manner as it shall deem proper, modify or set aside, in whole or in part, any finding or order made or issued by it under the provisions of this chapter.
- (b) **Judicial review—** Any party to a proceeding under this chapter aggrieved by an order issued by the [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3) in such proceeding may obtain a review of such order in the United States court of appeals for any circuit wherein the [licensee](/usc/16/796.md?p=5) or public utility to which the order relates is located or has its principal place of business, or in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, by filing in such court, within sixty days after the order of the [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3) upon the application for rehearing, a written petition praying that the order of the [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3) be modified or set aside in whole or in part. A copy of such petition shall forthwith be transmitted by the clerk of the court to any member of the [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3) and thereupon the [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3) shall file with the court the record upon which the order complained of was entered, as provided in [section 2112 of title 28](/usc/28/2112.md). Upon the filing of such petition such court shall have jurisdiction, which upon the filing of the record with it shall be exclusive, to affirm, modify, or set aside such order in whole or in part. No objection to the order of the [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3) shall be considered by the court unless such objection shall have been urged before the [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3) in the application for rehearing unless there is reasonable ground for failure so to do. The finding of the [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3) as to the facts, if supported by substantial evidence, shall be conclusive. If any party shall apply to the court for leave to adduce additional evidence, and shall show to the satisfaction of the court that such additional evidence is material and that there were reasonable grounds for failure to adduce such evidence in the proceedings before the [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3), the court may order such additional evidence to be taken before the [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3) and to be adduced upon the hearing in such manner and upon such terms and conditions as to the court may seem proper. The [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3) may modify its findings as to the facts by reason of the additional evidence so taken, and it shall file with the court such modified or new findings which, if supported by substantial evidence, shall be conclusive, and its recommendation, if any, for the modification or setting aside of the original order. The judgment and decree of the court, affirming, modifying, or setting aside, in whole or in part, any such order of the [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3), shall be final, subject to review by the Supreme Court of the United States upon certiorari or certification as provided in [section 1254 of title 28](/usc/28/1254.md).
- (c) **Stay of Commission’s order—** The filing of an application for rehearing under [subsection (a)](#a) shall not, unless specifically ordered by the [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3), operate as a stay of the [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3)’s order. The commencement of proceedings under [subsection (b)](#b) of this section shall not, unless specifically ordered by the court, operate as a stay of the [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3)’s order.

# §825m. Enforcement provisions

- (a) **Enjoining and restraining violations—** Whenever it shall appear to the [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3) that any [person](/usc/16/450rr–1.md?p=b) is engaged or about to engage in any acts or practices which constitute or will constitute a [violation](/usc/16/620e.md?p=11) of the provisions of this chapter, or of any rule, regulation, or order thereunder, it may in its discretion bring an action in the proper District Court of the United States or the United States courts of any Territory or other place subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, to enjoin such acts or practices and to enforce compliance with this chapter or any rule, regulation, or order thereunder, and upon a proper showing a permanent or temporary injunction or decree or restraining order shall be granted without bond. The [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3) may transmit such evidence as may be available concerning such acts or practices to the Attorney General, who, in his discretion, may [institute](/usc/16/6703.md?p=4) the necessary criminal proceedings under this chapter.
- (b) **Writs of mandamus—** Upon application of the [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3) the district courts of the United States and the United States courts of any Territory or other place subject to the jurisdiction of the United States shall have jurisdiction to issue writs of mandamus commanding any [person](/usc/16/450rr–1.md?p=b) to comply with the provisions of this chapter or any rule, regulation, or order of the [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3) thereunder.
- (c) **Employment of attorneys—** The [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3) may employ such attorneys as it finds necessary for proper legal aid and service of the [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3) or its members in the conduct of their work, or for proper representation of the public interests in investigations made by it or cases or proceedings pending before it, whether at the [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3)’s own instance or upon complaint, or to appear for or represent the [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3) in any case in court; and the expenses of such employment shall be paid out of the appropriation for the [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3).
- (d) **Prohibitions on violators—** In any proceedings under [subsection (a)](#a), the court may prohibit, conditionally or unconditionally, and permanently or for such period of time as the court determines, any individual who is engaged or has engaged in practices constituting a [violation](/usc/16/620e.md?p=11) of [section 824u of this title](/usc/16/824u.md) (and related rules and regulations) from—
  - (1) acting as an officer or director of an [electric utility](/usc/16/796.md?p=22-A); or
  - (2) engaging in the business of purchasing or selling—
    - (A) electric energy; or
    - (B) transmission services subject to the jurisdiction of the [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3).

# §825n. Forfeiture for violations; recovery; applicability

- (a) **Forfeiture—** Any [licensee](/usc/16/796.md?p=5) or public utility which willfully fails, within the time prescribed by the [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3), to comply with any order of the [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3), to file any report required under this chapter or any rule or regulation of the [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3) thereunder, to submit any information or document required by the [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3) in the course of an investigation conducted under this chapter, or to appear by an officer or agent at any hearing or investigation in response to a subpena issued under this chapter, shall forfeit to the United States an amount not exceeding $1,000 to be fixed by the [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3) after notice and opportunity for hearing. The imposition or payment of any such forfeiture shall not bar or affect any penalty prescribed in this chapter but such forfeiture shall be in [addition](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-2) to any such penalty.
- (b) **Recovery—** The forfeitures provided for in this chapter shall be payable into the Treasury of the United States and shall be recoverable in a civil suit in the name of the United States, brought in the district where the [person](/usc/16/450rr–1.md?p=b) is an inhabitant or has his principal place of business, or if a [licensee](/usc/16/796.md?p=5) or public utility, in any district in which such [licensee](/usc/16/796.md?p=5) or public utility transacts business. It shall be the duty of the various United States attorneys, under the direction of the Attorney General of the United States, to prosecute for the recovery of forfeitures under this chapter. The costs and expenses of such prosecution shall be paid from the appropriations for the expenses of the courts of the United States.
- (c) **Applicability—** This section shall not apply in the case of any provision of section [824j](/usc/16/824j.md), [824k](/usc/16/824k.md), [824l](/usc/16/824l.md), or [824m](/usc/16/824m.md) of this title or any rule or order issued under any such provision.

# §825o. Penalties for violations; applicability of section

- (a) **Statutory violations—** Any [person](/usc/16/450rr–1.md?p=b) who willfully and knowingly does or causes or suffers to be done any act, matter, or thing in this chapter prohibited or declared to be unlawful, or who willfully and knowingly omits or fails to do any act, matter, or thing in this chapter required to be done, or willfully and knowingly causes or suffers such omission or failure, shall, upon conviction thereof, be punished by a fine of not more than $1,000,000 or by imprisonment for not more than 5 years, or both.
- (b) **Rules violations—** Any [person](/usc/16/450rr–1.md?p=b) who willfully and knowingly violates any rule, regulation, restriction, condition, or order made or imposed by the [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3) under authority of this chapter, or any rule or regulation imposed by the [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) of the Army under authority of subchapter I of this chapter shall, in [addition](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-2) to any other penalties provided by law, be punished upon conviction thereof by a fine of not exceeding $25,000 for each and every day during which such offense occurs.

# §825o–1. Enforcement of certain provisions

- (a) **Violations—** It shall be unlawful for any [person](/usc/16/450rr–1.md?p=b) to violate any provision of subchapter II or any rule or order issued under any such provision.
- (b) **Civil penalties—** Any [person](/usc/16/450rr–1.md?p=b) who violates any provision of subchapter II or any provision of any rule or order thereunder shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $1,000,000 for each day that such [violation](/usc/16/620e.md?p=11) continues. Such penalty shall be assessed by the [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3), after notice and opportunity for public hearing, in accordance with the same provisions as are applicable under [section 823b(d) of this title](/usc/16/823b.md?p=d) in the case of civil penalties assessed under [section 823b of this title](/usc/16/823b.md). In determining the amount of a proposed penalty, the [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3) shall take into consideration the seriousness of the [violation](/usc/16/620e.md?p=11) and the efforts of such [person](/usc/16/450rr–1.md?p=b) to remedy the [violation](/usc/16/620e.md?p=11) in a timely manner.

# §825p. Jurisdiction of offenses; enforcement of liabilities and duties


The District Courts of the United States, and the United States courts of any Territory or other place subject to the jurisdiction of the United States shall have exclusive jurisdiction of [violations](/usc/16/620e.md?p=11) of this chapter or the rules, regulations, and orders thereunder, and of all suits in equity and actions at law brought to enforce any liability or duty created by, or to enjoin any [violation](/usc/16/620e.md?p=11) of this chapter or any rule, regulation, or order thereunder. Any criminal proceeding shall be brought in the district wherein any act or transaction constituting the [violation](/usc/16/620e.md?p=11) occurred. Any suit or action to enforce any liability or duty created by, or to enjoin any [violation](/usc/16/620e.md?p=11) of, this chapter or any rule, regulation, or order thereunder may be brought in any such district or in the district wherein the defendant is an inhabitant, and process in such cases may be served wherever the defendant may be found. Judgments and decrees so rendered shall be subject to review as provided in sections [1254](/usc/28/1254.md), [1291](/usc/28/1291.md), and [1292](/usc/28/1292.md) of title 28. No costs shall be assessed against the [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3) in any judicial proceeding by or against the [Commission](/usc/16/410cc–1.md?p=3) under this chapter.