Georgia § 50-13A-13 - Application of Georgia Civil Practice Act; discovery; attendance of witnesses.

§ 50-13A-13. Application of Georgia Civil Practice Act; discovery; attendance of witnesses.

The provisions of Chapter 11 of Title 9, the "Georgia Civil Practice Act," governing discovery and depositions shall apply to proceedings before the tribunal; provided, however, that the parties to a proceeding shall make every effort to conduct discovery by informal consultation or communication. Upon motion of a party, the frequency or extent of formal discovery methods may be limited by the tribunal if it determines that the discovery is unduly burdensome or expensive when taking into account the amount in controversy, limitations on the parties' resources, and the importance of the issues at stake in the litigation. The chief tribunal judge shall, by rules and regulations or by order in a particular proceeding, prescribe the period during which any discovery shall be commenced and completed. After the period for completing discovery has expired, or earlier as the parties may agree, the parties to a proceeding shall stipulate all relevant and nonprivileged matters to the fullest extent to which complete or qualified agreement can be reached or fairly should be reached. Neither the existence nor the use of the discovery mechanisms authorized by this Code section shall excuse failure to comply with this provision. A party shall disclose to other parties at a reasonable time prior to the hearing the identity of any person who may be called at trial to present expert testimony. Except as otherwise stipulated or directed by the tribunal judge, expert witness disclosure shall, with respect to a witness who is retained or specially employed to provide expert testimony in the case or whose duties as an employee of the party regularly involve giving expert testimony, be accompanied by a written report prepared and signed by the witness if one has been prepared or will be offered at the hearing. A judge or the clerk of the tribunal, on the request of any party to the proceeding, shall issue subpoenas requiring the attendance of witnesses and giving of testimony and subpoenas requiring the production of evidence or things. Any employee of the tribunal designated in writing for such purpose by a tribunal judge, or by the chief tribunal judge if more than one judge has been appointed, may administer oaths. Any witness who is subpoenaed or whose deposition is taken shall receive the same fees and mileage as a witness in a superior court of this state. In proceedings before the tribunal, if any party or an agent or employee of a party disobeys or resists any lawful order of process; neglects to produce, after having been ordered to do so, any pertinent book, paper, or document; refuses to appear after having been subpoenaed; upon appearing, refuses to take the oath or affirmation as a witness; or, after taking the oath or affirmation, refuses to testify, the tribunal judge shall have the same rights and powers given any other court under Chapter 11 of Title 9, the "Georgia Civil Practice Act." If any person or party refuses as specified in this subsection, the tribunal judge may certify the facts to the superior court of the county where the offense is committed for appropriate action, including a finding of contempt. (Code 1981, § 50-13A-13 , enacted by Ga. L. 2012, p. 318, § 15/HB 100.)