CFR Subpart D

CFR Subpart D
in effect

17 C.F.R. § 12.200 Scope and applicability of this subpart.

The rules set forth in this subpart are applicable only to proceedings forwarded pursuant to § 12.26(b). The rules in subpart B of this part permitting discovery are applicable in a summary decisional proceeding. Unless specifically made applicable, the rules prescribed in subparts C and E of this part shall not apply to such proceedings. Parties to a proceeding forwarded pursuant to § 12.26(b) may, by signed agreement filed at any time prior to the issuance of the initial decision, or of any other order disposing of all issues in the proceeding, elect to have all of the issues in the proceeding decided pursuant to the voluntary decisional procedure. Upon receiving a timely filed stipulation signed by all parties evidencing such an election, the Administrative Judge shall conduct the proceeding and render a decision pursuant to subpart C of this part.

17 C.F.R. § 12.201 Functions and responsibilities of the Administrative Judge.

The Administrative Judge shall be responsible for the fair and orderly conduct of the proceeding and shall have the authority— (a) In the Administrative Judge's discretion, to conduct pre-decision conferences in accordance with § 12.206; (b) To rule upon all discovery-related motions, and to take such action pursuant to § 12.35 as is appropriate if a party fails to comply with a discovery order; (c) To issue orders for the production of documents and tangible things and orders for written testimony, as provided in § 12.34 of these rules; (d) To take such action as is appropriate under § 12.35, if a party fails to comply with an order issued by the Administrative Judge pursuant to § 12.34; (e) To rule on all motions permitted pursuant to § 12.205; (f) To issue default orders for good cause against parties who fail to participate in the proceeding or to comply with these rules; (g) If an oral hearing is ordered, to preside at the hearing, which shall include the authority to receive relevant evidence, to administer oaths and affirmations, to examine witnesses, and to rule on offers of proof; (h) To issue subpoenas in accordance with the provisions of §§ 12.34, 12.36 and 12.209 of these rules; (i) To make the initial decision in accordance with § 12.210 of these rules; and (j) To issue such orders as are necessary and appropriate to effectuate the orderly conduct of the proceeding.

17 C.F.R. § 12.202 Disqualification of Administrative Judge.

(a) At their own request. An Administrative Judge may withdraw from a summary decisional proceeding when they consider themselves to be disqualified on the grounds of personal bias, conflict of interest, or similar bases. In such event, the Administrative Judge shall immediately notify the Commission and each of the parties of the withdrawal and of the basis for such action. (b) Upon the request of a party. Any party may request an Administrative Judge to disqualify themselves on the grounds of personal bias, conflict of interest, or similar bases. Interlocutory review of an order denying such a request may be sought without certification of the matter by the Administrative Judge only in accordance with the procedures set forth in § 12.309.

17 C.F.R. § 12.203 Filing of documents; subscription; service.

Except as otherwise specifically provided in these rules, all documents filed in a summary decisional proceeding, including (but not limited to) amended or supplemental pleadings, motions, discovery notices and responses thereto, documents produced or filed pursuant to § 12.34 of these rules, and submissions of proof, shall meet the requirements of §§ 12.11 and 12.12 of these rules as to form, and shall be filed and served in accordance with § 12.10 of the Reparation Rules.

17 C.F.R. § 12.204 Amended and supplemental pleadings.

(a) Amendments to pleadings. At any time before the parties have concluded their submission of proof, the Administrative Judge may allow amendments of the pleadings either upon written consent of the parties, or for good cause shown, provided however, that any pleading as amended shall not contain an allegation of damages in excess of $30,000. Any party may file a response to a motion to amend the pleadings within ten (10) days after the date of service upon that party of the motion. (b) Supplemental pleadings. At any time before the parties have concluded their submissions of proof, and upon such terms as are just, the Administrative Judge may, upon motion by a party, permit a party to serve a supplemental pleading setting forth transactions, occurrences or events which have happened since the date of the pleadings sought to be supplemented and which are relevant to any of the issues in the proceeding: Provided however, that any pleading as supplemented may not contain an allegation of damages in excess of $30,000. Any party may file a response to a motion to supplement the pleadings within ten (10) days after the date of service upon that party of the motion. (c) Pleadings to conform to the evidence. When issues not raised by the pleadings but reasonably within the scope of a summary decisional proceeding are tried with the express or implied consent of the parties, they shall be treated in all respects as if they had been raised in the pleadings.

17 C.F.R. § 12.205 Motions.

(a) In general. Motions for relief not otherwise specifically provided for in this subpart (§§ 12.200 through 12.210), other than discovery-related motions and motions for extensions of time and similar procedural orders, shall not be allowed. Except as otherwise specifically provided in this subpart, all motions permitted under the provisions of this subpart shall be directed to the Administrative Judge prior to the filing of the initial decision, and to the Commission after the initial decision has been filed. Motions for extensions of time and similar procedural orders may be acted upon at any time, without awaiting a response thereto. Any party adversely affected by such action may request reconsideration, vacation or modification of such action. (b) Answer to motions. Any party may serve and file a written response to a motion within ten (10) days after service of the motion, or within such longer or shorter period as is established by the provisions of this part, or as the Administrative Judge or the Commission may direct. (c) Dismissal—(1) By the Administrative Judge. An Administrative Judge, acting upon their own motion, may: (i) Dismiss the entire proceeding without prejudice to counterclaims, if the Administrative Judge finds that the matters alleged in the complaint fail to state a claim cognizable in reparations; or (ii) Order dismissal of any claim, counterclaim, or party from the proceeding if the Administrative Judge finds, after review of the record, that such claim or counterclaim (by itself or as applied to any party) is not cognizable in reparations. (2) Motion for dismissal by a party. Any party who believes that grounds exist for dismissal of the entire complaint, or of any claim therein, or of any counterclaim or party from the proceeding, may file a motion for dismissal specifying the claims or parties to be dismissed and the reasons therefor. Upon consideration of the whole record, the Administrative Judge may grant or deny such motion, in whole or in part. (3) Content and effect of order of dismissal. Any order of dismissal entered pursuant to this rule shall contain a brief statement of the findings and conclusions which serve as the basis for the order. An order of dismissal of the entire proceeding pursuant to this rule shall have the effect of an initial decision (see § 12.213(d)), and may be appealed to the Commission in accordance with the requirements of § 12.401 of these rules.

17 C.F.R. § 12.206 Pre-decision conferences.

(a) At any time after a summary decisional proceeding has been commenced pursuant to § 12.26(b), the Administrative Judge may, in their discretion, conduct one or more pre-decision conferences to be held in Washington, DC, or by telephone, with all parties, for the purposes of: (1) Discussing the advisability of electing the voluntary decisional procedure; (2) Encouraging settlement of the entire case, or any part thereof, (such discussions may be ex parte with the consent of all parties); (3) Simplifying or clarifying issues; (4) Obtaining stipulations, admissions of fact and of authenticity of documents; (5) Discussing amendments or supplements to the pleadings; (6) Encouraging an early settlement of disputes relating to discovery; and (7) Discussing any matters of relevance in the proceeding. (b) At or following the conclusion of such a conference, the Administrative Judge may serve a pre-decision memorandum and order setting forth the agreements, if any, reached by the parties, any procedural determinations made by the Administrative Judge, and the issues for resolution not disposed of by the admissions or agreements by the parties. Such order, when issued, shall control the subsequent course of the proceeding unless modified to prevent injustice.

17 C.F.R. § 12.207 Summary disposition.

(a) Filing of motions, answers. Any parties who believe that there is no genuine issue of material fact to be determined and that they are entitled to a decision as a matter of law concerning all issues of liability in the proceeding may file a motion for summary disposition at any time until the parties have concluded their submissions of proof. Any adverse party, within ten (10) days after service of the motion, may file and serve opposing papers or may countermove for summary disposition. (b) Supporting papers. A motion for summary disposition shall include a statement of the material facts as to which the moving party contends there is no genuine issue, supported by the pleadings, and by affidavits, other verified statements, admissions, stipulations, and interrogatories. The motion may also be supported by briefs containing points and authorities in support of the contention of the party making the motion. When a motion is made and supported as provided in this section, unless otherwise ordered by the Administrative Judge, adverse parties may not rest upon the mere allegations, but shall serve and file in response a statement setting forth those material facts as to which they contend a genuine issue exists, supported by affidavits and other verified material. They may also submit a brief of points and authorities. (c) Summary disposition upon motion of the Administrative Judge. If the Administrative Judge believes that there may be no genuine issue of material fact to be determined and that one of the parties may be entitled to a decision as a matter of law, the Administrative Judge may direct the parties to submit papers in support of and in opposition to summary disposition, substantially as provided in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section. (d) Ruling on summary disposition. The Administrative Judge may grant summary disposition if the undisputed pleaded facts, affidavits, other verified statements, admissions, stipulations, and matters of official notice show that: (1) There is no genuine issue as to any material fact; (2) There is no necessity that further facts be developed in the record; and (3) A party is entitled to a decision in that party's favor as a matter of law. (e) Review of ruling; appeal. An application for interlocutory review of an order denying a motion for summary disposition shall not be allowed. An order granting summary disposition as to all of the issues and all of the parties in the proceeding shall have the same effect as an initial decision (see § 12.210(d)), and may be appealed to the Commission, in accordance with § 12.401 of these rules.

17 C.F.R. § 12.208 Submissions of proof.

(a) Documentary evidence. Each party may file and serve verified statements of fact and affidavits of non-party witnesses with personal knowledge of the facts which they aver to be true. Proof in support of the complaint and in support of the respondent's answer may be found in those verified documents, in affidavits of non-party witnesses, in other verified statements of fact, and in other documents and tangible exhibits. (b) Oral testimony and examination. The Administrative Judge may order an oral hearing for the presentation of testimony and examination of the parties and their witnesses when appropriate and necessary for the resolution of factual issues, upon motion by either a party or the Administrative Judge. An oral hearing held under this section will be convened by conference telephone call as provided in § 12.209(b), except that an in-person hearing may be held in Washington, DC, under the circumstances set forth in § 12.209(c).

17 C.F.R. § 12.209 Oral testimony.

(a) Generally. When the Administrative Judge determines that an oral hearing is necessary and appropriate, such oral hearing will be held either by telephone or in person in Washington, DC, as set forth in paragraphs (b) through (d) of this section. The Administrative Judge, in their discretion with consideration for the convenience of the parties and their witnesses, will determine the time and date of such hearing. During an oral hearing, in their discretion, the Administrative Judge may regulate appropriately the course and sequence of testimony and examination of the parties and their witnesses and limit the issues. (b) Telephonic hearings. When an Administrative Judge has determined to hold an oral hearing by telephone, an order to that effect will be issued at least 15 days prior to the hearing notifying the parties of the date and time of the hearing. The order will direct the parties to confirm, at least 48 hours in advance of the hearing, that the correct telephone numbers for the parties and their witnesses are on file with the Office of Proceedings, and warn that failure to provide correct telephone numbers may be deemed waiver of that party's right to participate in the hearing, to present evidence, or to cross-examine other witnesses. If a party is unavailable by telephone at the appointed time, any other party in attendance may present testimony, and the Administrative Judge also may impose any appropriate sanction listed in § 12.35. All telephonic hearings will be recorded electronically but will be transcribed only upon direction of the Administrative Judge (if necessary) or in the event of Commission review. The parties may secure a copy of the recording of the hearing from the Proceedings Clerk upon written request and payment of the cost of the recording. (c) Washington, DC, hearings. In exceptional circumstances and when an in-person hearing is determined to be necessary in resolving the issues, the Administrative Judge may order an in-person hearing in Washington, DC, upon written request by a party and the agreement of at least one opposing party. The Administrative Judge will issue notice of the time, date, and location of an in-person hearing to the parties at least 30 days in advance of the hearing. Except as otherwise provided in this section, an in-person hearing will be held and recorded in the manner prescribed in § 12.312(c) through (f). A party not agreeing to appear at the hearing in Washington, DC, may be ordered to participate by telephone. Any party not appearing in person or by telephone will be deemed to have waived the right to participate in the hearing, to present evidence, or to cross-examine other witnesses; further, that party may be subject to such action under § 12.35 as the Administrative Judge may find appropriate. The Administrative Judge may order any party who requests or agrees to appear at a hearing in Washington, DC, and fails to appear without good cause, to pay any reasonable costs unnecessarily incurred by parties appearing at such a hearing. (d) Compulsory process. An application for a subpoena requiring a non-party to participate in a telephonic hearing or to appear at an in-person hearing in Washington, DC, may be made in writing to the Administrative Judge without notice to the other parties. The standards for issuance or denial of an application for a subpoena, the service and travel fee requirements, and the method for enforcing such subpoenas are set forth at § 12.313.

17 C.F.R. § 12.210 Initial decision.

(a) In general. Proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law briefs shall not be allowed. As soon as practicable after all submissions of proof have been received, the Administrative Judge shall make the initial decision, which will be filed forthwith with the Proceedings Clerk. Upon filing of an initial decision, the Proceedings Clerk shall immediately serve upon the parties a copy of the initial decision and a notification of the effect of a party's failure timely to appeal the initial decision to the Commission, as provided in paragraphs (d) and (e) of this section, as well as the effect of a failure by a party who has been ordered to pay a reparation award timely to file the documents required by § 12.407(c). (b) Content of initial decision. In the initial decision in a summary decisional proceeding, the Administrative Judge shall: (1) Include a brief statement of the findings as to the facts, with reference to those portions of the record which support those findings; (2) Make a determination whether or not the respondent has violated any provision of the Commodity Exchange Act, or rule, regulation or order thereunder; (3) Make a determination whether the complainant is liable to any respondent who has made a counterclaim in the proceeding; (4) Determine the amount of damages, if any, that the complainant has sustained as a result of respondent's violations, the amount of punitive damages, if any, for which respondent is liable to complainant, which shall not exceed $30,000, exclusive of interest and costs; and the amount, if any, for which complainant is liable to respondents based on counterclaims, which, in aggregate, shall not exceed $30,000, exclusive of interest and costs; and (5) Include an order directing either the respondent or the complainant, depending upon whose liability is greater, to pay an amount based on the difference in the amounts determined pursuant to paragraph (b)(4) of this section, on or before a date fixed in the order. (c) Costs; prejudgment interest. The Administrative Judge may, in the initial decision, award costs (including the costs of instituting the proceeding, and if appropriate, reasonable attorneys' fees) and, if warranted as a matter of law under the circumstances of the particular case, prejudgment interest to the party in whose favor a judgment is entered. (d) Effect of initial decision. The initial decision shall become the final decision and order of the Commission thirty (30) days after service thereof, except: (1) The initial decision shall not become the final decision as to a party who shall have timely filed and perfected an appeal thereof to the Commission in accordance with § 12.401 of these rules; and (2) The initial decision shall not become final as to any party to the proceeding if, within thirty (30) days after service of the initial decision, the Commission itself shall have placed the case on its own docket for review or stayed the effective date of the initial decision. (e) Effect of failure to file and perfect an appeal to the Commission. Unless the Commission takes review on its own motion, the timely filing and perfection of an appeal to the Commission of the initial decision is mandatory as a prerequisite to appellate judicial review of a final decision and order entered pursuant to these rules.

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