(a) Powers of an administrative law judge. In accordance with the rules of this subpart, an administrative law judge may:
(1) Give notice of, and hold, prehearing conferences and hearings;
(2) Administer oaths and affirmations;
(3) Issue subpoenas authorized by law and issue notices of deposition requested by the parties;
(4) Rule on offers of proof;
(5) Receive relevant and material evidence;
(6) Regulate the course of the hearing in accordance with the rules of this subpart;
(7) Hold conferences to settle or to simplify the issues by consent of the parties;
(8) Dispose of procedural motions and requests; and
(9) Make findings of fact and conclusions of law, and issue an initial decision.
(b) Limitations on the power of the administrative law judge. The administrative law judge shall not issue an order of contempt, award costs to any party, or impose any sanction not specified in this subpart. If the administrative law judge imposes any sanction not specified in this subpart, a party may file an interlocutory appeal of right with the FAA decisionmaker pursuant to Sec. 13.219(c)(4) of this subpart. This section does not preclude an administrative law judge from issuing an order that bars a person from a specific proceeding based on a finding of obstreperous or disruptive behavior in that specific proceeding.
(c) Disqualification. The administrative law judge may disqualify himself or herself at any time. A party may file a motion, pursuant to Sec. 13.218(f)(6), requesting that an administrative law judge be disqualified from the proceedings. [Amdt. 13-21, 55 FR 27575, July 3, 1990; 55 FR 29293, July 18, 1990]