Investigations — Us Code Code § 4816
Us Code Code § 4816 — Investigations. Reproduced from the official United States Code, with a citation summary, verification link, and related provisions.
§ 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, §1627, Dec. 23, 1985, 99 Stat. 1621.)
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
Section effective Jan. 1, 1986, see section 1631 of Pub. L. 99–198, set out as a note under section 4801 of this title.
About This Section
7 U.S.C. § 4816 is part of Title 7 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.
This section may be cited in legal writing as 7 U.S.C. § 4816. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.
How to Read This Statute
Statutes are organized by title, chapter, section, and subsection. Pay attention to words like "shall," "may," "and," and "or," because they determine whether a requirement is mandatory or permissive and whether multiple conditions must all be met. Historical notes and amendments often appear at the end of a section.
Using This Page
This page is intended for research and educational use. Lawyers, students, journalists, and compliance professionals can use it as a starting point, but should always verify the current text through an official government source before relying on it for legal advice, filings, or compliance decisions.