The Tennessee ethics commission possesses power to:

(1) Subpoena witnesses, compel their attendance and testimony, conduct audits, administer oaths, take evidence and require, by subpoena duces tecum, the production of books, papers, records or other evidence needed for the performance of the commission’s duties or exercise of its powers, including its duties and powers of investigation;
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Terms Used In Tennessee Code 3-6-107

  • 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.
  • Jurisdiction: (1) The legal authority of a court to hear and decide a case. Concurrent jurisdiction exists when two courts have simultaneous responsibility for the same case. (2) The geographic area over which the court has authority to decide cases.
  • Person: includes a corporation, firm, company or association. See Tennessee Code 1-3-105
  • Reporter: Makes a record of court proceedings and prepares a transcript, and also publishes the court's opinions or decisions (in the courts of appeals).
  • Statute: A law passed by a legislature.
  • Subpoena: A command to a witness to appear and give testimony.
  • Subpoena duces tecum: A command to a witness to produce documents.
  • Testimony: Evidence presented orally by witnesses during trials or before grand juries.
  • written: includes printing, typewriting, engraving, lithography, and any other mode of representing words and letters. See Tennessee Code 1-3-105
(2) Issue written advisory opinions to any person subject to the jurisdiction of the commission in accordance with §§ 3-6-117 and 3-6-308(a)(4). When issuing any advisory opinion or any other interpretive document, the commission shall review and consider all operative statutory provisions, as well as the legislative history pertaining to the statutory provisions, as evidenced by legislative committee and floor actions, discussions and debates;
(3) Request legal and investigative assistance from the office of the attorney general and reporter;
(4) Conduct a hearing to determine if an actual violation has occurred;
(5) Issue an appropriate order following a determination of an actual violation;
(6) Assess and collect late filing fees in amounts provided by statute;
(7) Assess and collect a civil penalty as provided in this chapter, title 8, chapter 50, part 5, and rules promulgated pursuant to this chapter and title 8, chapter 50, part 5; provided, that the commission shall only have the power to assess a civil penalty after notice and opportunity for hearing; and
(8) Seek injunctive relief in the chancery court of Davidson County to prevent continuing violations of this chapter.
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