[Code of Federal Regulations] [Title 24, Volume 5] [Revised as of January 1, 2007] From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access [CITE: 24CFR1720.140] [Page 73] TITLE 24--HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT CHAPTER X--OFFICE OF ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR HOUSING--FEDERAL HOUSING COMMISSIONER, DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT (INTERSTATE LAND SALES REGISTRATION PROGRAM) PART 1720_FORMAL PROCEDURES AND RULES OF PRACTICE--Table of Contents Subpart D_Adjudicatory Proceedings Sec. 1720.140 Administrative law judge, powers and duties. (a) Hearings in adjudicative proceedings shall be presided over by a duly qualified administrative law judge who shall be designated by the Secretary in a notice to the parties in the proceeding. (b) Administrative law judges shall have the duty to conduct fair and impartial hearings, to take all necessary action to avoid delay in the disposition of proceedings and to maintain order. They shall have all powers necessary to those ends including all powers granted under 5 U.S.C. 556(c), and also power including but not limited to the following: (1) To administer oaths and affirmations. (2) To issue subpoenas and orders requiring access. (3) To take or to cause depositions to be taken. (4) To rule upon offers of proof and receive evidence. (5) To regulate the course of the hearings and the conduct of the parties and their counsel. (6) To hold conferences for simplification and clarification of the issues or any other purpose. (7) To consider and rule upon as justice may require, all procedural and other motions appropriate in an adjudicative proceeding, including motions to open defaults. (8) To make and file decisions. (9) To certify question to a Departmental appeals officer. (10) To take any action authorized by the rules in this part or other appropriate action.