Authority of the Judge.

§ 76.18 Authority of the Judge. (a) The Judge shall conduct a fair and impartial hearing, avoid delay, maintain order, and assure that a record of the proceeding is made. (b) The Judge has the authority to: (1) Set and change the date, time and place of the hearing upon reasonable notice to the parties; (2) Continue or recess the hearing in whole or in part for a reasonable period of time; (3) Hold conferences to identify or simplify the issues, or to consider other matters that may aid in the expeditious disposition of the proceeding; (4) Administer oaths and affirmations; (5) Issue subpoenas in accordance with 21 U.S.C. 875 and 876 requiring the attendance of witnesses and the production of documents at dispositions or at hearings; (6) Rule on motions and other procedural matters; (7) Regulate the scope and timing of discovery; (8) Regulate the course of the hearing and the conduct of representatives and parties; (9) Examine witnesses; (10) Receive, rule on, exclude, or limit evidence; (11) Upon motion of a party, take official notice of facts; (12) Upon motion of a party, decide cases, in whole or in part, by summary judgment where there is no disputed issue of material fact; (13) Conduct any conference, argument, or hearing on motions in person or by telephone; and (14) Exercise such other authority as necessary to carry out the responsibilities of the Judge under this part. (c) The Judge does not have the authority to rule upon the validity of federal statutes or regulations.