Federal · Title 46 — Shipping

46 U.S.C. § 12140: Investigations by Secretary

Civil

What this law says, in plain English

The Secretary may investigate and inspect compliance with this chapter and regulations. The Secretary can issue subpoenas and seek court enforcement if someone refuses to comply.

Read the full statutory text

The Secretary may conduct investigations and inspections regarding compliance with this chapter and regulations prescribed under this chapter. is reasonable; and will interfere with a criminal investigation; and determines that the subpoena is reasonable and will not interfere with a criminal investigation; or fails to make a determination with respect to the subpoena before the date that is 30 days after the date on which the Secretary makes a request under subparagraph (A) with respect to the subpoena. In the case of a refusal to obey a subpoena issued to any person under this section, the Secretary may invoke the aid of the appropriate district court of the United States to compel compliance.

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This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.