§ 521.18 Authority of the ALJ.

(a) The ALJ shall conduct a fair and impartial hearing, avoid delay, maintain order, and assure that a record of the proceeding is made. (b) The ALJ may: (1) Set and change the date, time and place of the hearing upon reasonable notice to the parties; (2) Continue or recess the hearing in whole or in part for a reasonable period of time; (3) Hold conferences to identify or simplify the issues, or to consider other matters that may aid in the expeditious disposition of the proceeding; (4) Administer oaths and affirmations; (5) Issue subpoenas to be served within the United States requiring the attendance of witnesses and the production of documents at depositions or at hearings. Subpoenas to be served outside the jurisdiction of the United States shall state on their face the authority therefore; (6) Rule on motions and other procedural matters; (7) Regulate the scope and time of discovery; (8) Regulate the course of the hearing and the conduct of representatives and parties; (9) Examine witnesses; (10) Receive, rule on, exclude, or limit evidence; (11) Upon motion of a party, take official notice of facts; (12) Upon motion of a party, decide cases, in whole or in part, by summary judgment where there is no disputed issue of material fact; (13) Conduct any conference, argument, or hearing on motions in person or by telephone; and (14) Exercise such other authority as is necessary to carry out the responsibilities of the ALJ under this part. (c) The ALJ does not have the authority to find treaties and other international agreements or Federal Statutes or regulations invalid.