Other Fields
Agency Scheme: 
FCCOMDRD0007
ADJUDICATION STRUCTURE
Hearing Level: Basic Structure
Name of Hearing Office (local name): 
Enforcement Bureau
Name of Hearing Office (global name): 
Federal Communications Commission: Enforcement Bureau
Sub-Agency/Bureau/Division:: 
Market Disputes Resolution Division
Hearing Officer #1 (Title): 
Division Chief
Hearing Officer #2 (Title): 
Division Deputy Chief
Are administrative appeals permitted from final decisions at the hearing-level stage?: 
Yes (All Types of Cases)
Comments/Notes on Adjudication Structure: 

These procedures apply to formal complaints against common carriers brought before the FCC's Market Disputes Resolution Division. These procedures do not apply to those cases that are placed on the Enforcement Bureau's Accelerated Docket.

In addition to the formal complaint process documented in this scheme, FCC regulations also provide a different scheme or set of procedures for adjudicating informal complaints. However, the regulations governing informal complaints are not detailed enough to be within the scope of this project. See 47 C.F.R. §§ 1.716, 6.16, 7.16, 14.34.

PROCESS & PROCEDURE - General Information
Are private parties permitted to have representation at hearings?: 
Yes (All Types of Cases)
Who may serve as a private party representative?: 
Attorney
Is the agency permitted to have representation at hearings?: 
Yes (All Types of Cases)
Regulations/rules of practice for hearings (please include CFR citations): 
47 C.F.R. §§ 1.
PROCESS & PROCEDURE - Pre-Hearing Procedure
Is discovery permitted by either party at the hearing-level stage?: 
Yes (Some Types of Cases)
Briefly describe the scope and type(s) of discovery available (e.g., depositions, interrogatories, etc.): 
In cases concerning formal complaints against common carriers, a complainant or defendant may file with the Commission and serve on the opposing party, a request for up to ten written interrogatories. The Commission may modify existing discovery or allow additional discovery, including, but not limited to, document production, depositions and/or additional interrogatories. 47 C.F.R. § 1.729.
Are parties provided notice of hearing?: 
Yes (All Types of Cases)
PROCESS & PROCEDURE - Hearing Procedure
What types of hearings are permitted at the hearing-level stage?: 
In-Person
How is the type of hearing selected: 
Required by Rule
How many hearing officers preside at each hearing?: 
One
Is witness testimony permitted at hearings?: 
Yes
If "Varies by Case," please describe: 
Expert witnesses may testify in formal complaints against common carriers.
Can parties cross-examine witnesses?: 
Yes
Are hearings recorded and/or transcribed?: 
Yes
Are hearings open to the public?: 
No (Hearings Always Closed/All Types of Cases)
PROCESS & PROCEDURE - Post-Hearing Procedure
Who typically drafts the decision at the hearing-level stage?: 
Adjudication Officer
Who has authority to issue final decisions?: 
Adjudication Officer
Other
If "Other," please specify: 
The Hearing Officer normally has authority to issue final decisions. However, in those proceedings which raise issues that may not be decided on delegated authority (see 47 U.S.C. 155(c)(1); 47 C.F.R. 0.291(d)).
Do agency regulations or guidance provide time limits for issuance of final decisions?: 
No
PROCESS & PROCEDURE - Case Management
Are final decisions published and/or posted on the agency website?: 
Yes (Some Decisions)
If "Yes (Some Decisions)," how does the agency determine which final decisions to publish/post? Please briefly describe: 
The website and regulations do not indicate how the agency decides which final decisions to publish.
Do agency regulations/rules of practice specify the contents of the administrative record at the hearing-level stage?: 
No
Do agency regulations/rules of practice provide for closure of the record at the hearing-level stage (subject to applicable exce: 
No
Verified by Agency: 
Not verified