§ 386.54 Administrative law judge.

(a) Appointment. After the matter is called for hearing, the Assistant Administrator shall appoint an administrative law judge.

(b) Power and duties. The administrative law judge has power to take any action and to make all needful rules and regulations to govern the conduct of the proceedings to ensure a fair and impartial hearing, and to avoid delay in the disposition of the proceedings. The powers of the administrative law judge include the following:

(1) To administer oaths and affirmations;

(2) To issue orders permitting inspection and examination of lands, buildings, equipment, and any other physical thing and the copying of any document;

(3) To issue subpoenas for the attendance of witnesses and the production of evidence as authorized by law;

(4) To rule on offers of proof and receive evidence;

(5) To regulate the course of the hearing and the conduct of participants in it;

(6) To consider and rule upon all procedural and other motions, including motions to dismiss, except motions which, under this part, are made directly to the Assistant Administrator;

(7) To hold conferences for settlement, simplification of issues, or any other proper purpose;

(8) To make and file decisions; and

(9) To take any other action authorized by these rules and permitted by law.

[50 FR 40306, Oct. 2, 1985, as amended at 53 FR 2036, Jan. 26, 1988; 66 FR 49872, Oct. 1, 2001]