7 CFR 1.806 – Judge
(a) Assignment. No Judge who has any pecuniary interest in the outcome of a proceeding shall serve as Judge in such proceeding.
Terms Used In 7 CFR 1.806
- Adjourn: A motion to adjourn a legislative chamber or a committee, if passed, ends that day's session.
- Affidavit: A written statement of facts confirmed by the oath of the party making it, before a notary or officer having authority to administer oaths.
- Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
- Oral argument: An opportunity for lawyers to summarize their position before the court and also to answer the judges' questions.
(b) Power of Judge. Subject to review by the Secretary, as provided elsewhere in this subpart, the Judge in any proceeding shall have power to:
(1) Rule upon motions and requests;
(2) Change the time and place of hearings, and adjourn the hearing from time to time or from place to place;
(3) Administer oaths and affirmations and take affidavits;
(4) Examine and cross-examine witnesses and receive evidence;
(5) Admit or exclude evidence;
(6) Hear oral argument on facts or law; and
(7) Do all acts and take all measures necessary for the maintenance of order at the hearings and the efficient conduct of the proceeding.
(c) Who may act in absence of the Judge. In case of the absence of the Judge or that Judge’s inability to act, the powers and duties to be performed by the Judge under this subpart in connection with a proceeding may, without abatement of the proceeding unless otherwise ordered by the Secretary, be assigned to any other Judge.
(d) Disqualification of Judge. The Judge may at any time withdraw as Judge in a proceeding if such Judge deems himself or herself to be disqualified. Upon the filing by an interested person in good faith of a timely and sufficient affidavit of personal bias or disqualification of a Judge, the Secretary shall determine the matter as a part of the record and decision in the proceeding, after making such investigation or holding such hearings, or both, as the Secretary may deem appropriate in the circumstances.