Title 7 — AgricultureRelease 119-73not60

§2717 Investigations by Secretary; Oaths and Affirmations; Subpenas; Judicial Enforcement; Contempt Proceedings; Service of Process

Title 7 › Chapter 60— EGG RESEARCH AND CONSUMER INFORMATION › § 2717

Last updated Apr 3, 2026|Official source

Summary

The Secretary can investigate when needed to do the job or to find out if an egg producer, processor, seller, or anyone else has broken or is about to break the rules or orders under this chapter. The Secretary can make people swear oaths, issue subpoenas to make witnesses come and give testimony, and require any books, papers, or documents relevant to the inquiry from anywhere in the United States. If someone refuses a subpoena, the Secretary can ask a U.S. court where the person lives or where the investigation is happening to order them to appear, hand over records, or testify. Not following the court’s order can lead to contempt penalties. Legal papers can be served where the person lives or is found.

Full Legal Text

Title 7, §2717

Agriculture — Source: USLM XML via OLRC

The Secretary may make such investigations as he deems necessary for the effective carrying out of his responsibilities under this chapter or to determine whether an egg producer, processor, or other seller of commercial eggs or any other person has engaged or is about to engage in any acts or practices which constitute or will constitute a violation of any provisions of this chapter, or of any order, or rule or regulation issued under this chapter. For the purpose of such investigation, the Secretary is empowered to administer oaths and affirmations, subpena witnesses, compel their attendance, take evidence, and require the production of any books, papers, and documents which are relevant to the inquiry. Such attendance of witnesses and the production of any such records may be required from any place in the United States. In case of contumacy by, or refusal to obey a subpena to, any person, including an egg producer, the Secretary 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 resides or carries on business, in requiring the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of books, papers, and documents; and such court may issue an order requiring such person to appear before the Secretary, there to produce records, if so ordered, or to give testimony touching the matter under investigation. 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 is an inhabitant or wherever he may be found.

Reference

Citations & Metadata

Citation

7 U.S.C. § 2717

Title 7 — Agriculture

Last Updated

Apr 3, 2026

Release point: 119-73not60