Pennsylvania § 9531 - Authorities.

§ 9531. Authorities.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an independent counsel appointed under this chapter shall have, with respect to all matters in the independent counsel's prosecutorial jurisdiction established under this chapter, full power and independent authority to exercise all investigative and prosecutorial functions and powers of the Office of Attorney General, the Attorney General and any other officer or employee of the Office of Attorney General. Investigative and prosecutorial functions and powers shall include, but are not limited to:

(1) Conducting proceedings before grand juries and other investigations.

(2) Participating in court proceedings and engaging in any litigation, including civil and criminal matters, that the independent counsel considers necessary.

(3) Appealing any decision of a court in any case or proceeding in which the independent counsel participates in an official capacity.

(4) Reviewing all documentary evidence available from any source.

(5) Determining whether to contest the assertion of any testimonial privilege.

(6) Receiving appropriate security clearances and, if necessary, contesting in court, including, where appropriate, participating in an in camera proceeding, any claim of privilege or attempt to withhold evidence on grounds of security.

(7) Making applications to any State court for a grant of immunity to any witness, consistent with applicable statutory requirements, or for warrants, subpoenas or other court orders and exercising the authority vested in the Attorney General or a district attorney.

(8) Inspecting, obtaining or using the original or a copy of any tax return in accordance with applicable statutes and regulations.

(9) Initiating and conducting prosecutions in any court of competent jurisdiction, framing and signing indictments, filing information and handling all aspects of any case in the name of the Commonwealth.

(10) Consulting with the district attorney for the county in which any violation of law with respect to which the independent counsel is appointed was alleged to have occurred.