Functions and responsibilities of the Administrative Law Judge.

§ 12.304 Functions and responsibilities of the Administrative Law Judge. Once an Administrative Law Judge has been assigned the case, the Administrative Law Judge shall be responsible for the fair and orderly conduct of a formal decisional proceeding and shall have the authority: (a) To issue such orders as are described in § 12.34 of these rules; (b) To issue subpoenas pursuant to §§ 12.34, 12.36, and 12.313 of these rules; (c) To take such action as is appropriate pursuant to § 12.35 if a party fails to comply with a discovery order, or an order issued pursuant to § 12.34 of these rules; (d) [Reserved] (e) In the Administrative Law Judge's discretion, to conduct pre-decision conferences, for the purposes prescribed in § 12.303, at any time after a proceeding has commenced pursuant to § 12.26(c); (f) To issue pre-hearing orders as required by § 12.312(a); (g) To certify interlocutory matters to the Commission for its determination in accordance with § 12.309; (h) To issue orders of dismissal pursuant to § 12.308; (i) To issue default orders for good cause against parties who fail to participate in the proceeding, or to comply with these rules; (j) If appropriate, to issue orders for summary disposition in the manner prescribed by § 12.310; (k) If an oral hearing is ordered, to preside at the oral hearing, which shall include the authority to receive relevant evidence, to administer oaths and affirmations, to examine witnesses, and to rule on offers of proof; (l) To make the initial decision; and (m) To issue such orders, and take any other actions as are required to give effect to these rules. [49 FR 6621, Feb. 22, 1984; 49 FR 15070, Apr. 17, 1984; 49 FR 17750, Apr. 25, 1984, as amended at 57 FR 20637, May 14, 1992; 86 FR 64358, Nov. 18, 2021]