Us Code § 4017 - Investigations
Full text of Us Code United States Code § 4017 — Investigations, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 4017. Investigations
(a) Authority to make investigations
The Secretary may make such investigations as the Secretary determines necessary to—
(1) carry out the Secretary's responsibilities under this chapter; and
(2) determine whether any person has engaged in any act or practice which constitutes a violation of the provisions of this chapter.
(b) Oaths and affirmations
For the purpose of investigations under subsection (a) of this section, the Secretary may administer oaths and affirmations, subpoena witnesses, compel their attendance, take evidence, and require the production of any books, papers, and documents which are relevant to the inquiry. The attendance of such witnesses and the production of any such records may be required from any place in the United States.
(c) Court orders
In case of contumacy or refusal to obey a subpoena issued under this section by any person, the Secretary may invoke the aid of any court of the United States within the jurisdiction of which such investigation or proceeding is carried on, or where such person resides or has his business, to require the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of books, papers, and documents. Such court may issue an order requiring such person to appear before the Secretary to produce records or to give testimony relating to the matter under investigation.
(Pub. L. 99–659, title II, §218, Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3731.)
CHAPTER 61—INTERJURISDICTIONAL FISHERIES
About This Section
16 U.S.C. § 4017 is part of Title 16 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.
This section may be cited in legal writing as 16 U.S.C. § 4017. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.
How to Read This Statute
Statutes are organized by title, chapter, section, and subsection. Pay attention to words like "shall," "may," "and," and "or," because they determine whether a requirement is mandatory or permissive and whether multiple conditions must all be met. Historical notes and amendments often appear at the end of a section.
Using This Page
This page is intended for research and educational use. Lawyers, students, journalists, and compliance professionals can use it as a starting point, but should always verify the current text through an official government source before relying on it for legal advice, filings, or compliance decisions.