1955.32(a)
1955.32(a)(1) At any time after the commencement of a proceeding under this part, but generally before the
preliminary conference, if any, a party may request of any other party admissions that relate to statements or opinions of fact, or of the application
of law to fact, including the genuineness of any document described in the request. Copies of documents shall be served with the request unless they
have been or are otherwise furnished or made available for inspection or copying. The matter shall be deemed admitted unless within 30 days after
service of the request, or within such shorter or longer time as the administrative law judge may prescribe, the party to whom the request is directed
serves upon the party requesting the admission a specific written response.
..1955.32(a)(2)
1955.32(a)(2) If objection is made, the reasons therefor shall be stated. The answer shall specifically deny the
matter or set forth in detail the reasons why the answering party cannot truthfully admit or deny the matter. A denial shall fairly meet the substance
of the requested admission and when good faith requires that a party qualify his answer or deny only a part of the matter on which an admission is
requested, he shall specify so much of it as is true and qualify or deny the remainder. An answering party may not give lack of information or
knowledge as the reason for failure to admit or deny unless he states that he has made reasonable inquiry and that the information known or readily
obtainable by him is insufficient to enable him to admit or deny.
1955.32(a)(3) The party who has requested the admission may move to determine the sufficiency of the answers or
objections. Unless the administrative law judge determines that an objection is justified, he may order either that the matter is admitted or that an
amended answer be served. The administrative law judge may, in lieu of these orders, determine that final disposition of the requests be made at a
preliminary conference, or at a designated time prior to the hearing. Any matter admitted under this section is conclusively established unless the
administrative law judge on motion permits withdrawal or amendment of the admission. Copies of all requests and responses shall be served on all
parties and filed with the administrative law judge.
1955.32(b)
1955.32(b)(1) The testimony of any witness may be taken by deposition. Depositions may be taken orally or upon
written interrogatories before any person designated by the administrative law judge or having power to administer oaths.
..1955.32(b)(2)
1955.32(b)(2) Any party desiring to take the deposition of a witness may make application in writing to the
administrative law judge setting forth:
1955.32(b)(2)(i) The time when, the place where, and the name and post office address of the person before whom
the deposition is to be taken;
1955.32(b)(2)(ii) the name and address of each witness; and
1955.32(b)(2)(iii) the subject matter concerning which each witness is expected to testify.
1955.32(b)(3) Such notice as the administrative law judge may order shall be given by the party taking the
deposition to every other party.
1955.32(c)
1955.32(c)(1) Each witness testifying upon deposition shall be sworn, and the parties not calling him shall have
the right to cross-examine him. The questions propounded and the answers thereto, together with all objections made, shall be reduced to writing and
shall be read to or by the witness unless such examination and reading are waived by the witness and the parties. Any changes in form or substance
which the witness desires to make shall be entered upon the deposition by the officer with a statement of the reasons given by the witness for making
them. The deposition shall then be signed by the witness and certified by the officer before whom the deposition was taken. Thereafter, the officer
shall seal the deposition, with copies thereof, in an envelope and mail the same by registered or certified mail to the administrative law
judge.
1955.32(c)(2) Subject to such objections to the questions and answers as were noted at the time of taking the
deposition, and to the provisions in 1955.40(b)(1), any part or all of a deposition may be offered into evidence by the party taking it as against any
party who was present, represented at the taking of the deposition, or who had due notice thereof.
..1955.32(d)
1955.32(d) Whenever appropriate to a just disposition of any issue in the proceeding the administrative law judge
may allow discovery by any other appropriate procedure, such as by interrogatories upon a party or request for production of documents by a
party.
1955.32(e) Upon motion by a party or by the person from whom discovery is sought, and for good cause shown, the
administrative law judge may make any order which justice requires to limit or condition discovery in order to protect a party or person from
annoyance, embarrassment, oppression, or undue burden or expense.
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