Conduct of hearing

§ 19-0507. Conduct of hearing.

1. The respondent to such complaint may file a written answer thereto at least three days prior to the hearing and may appear at such hearing in person or by representative, with or without counsel, and may submit testimony, or may do both.

2. The hearing may be held before the commissioner or a representative designated by the commissioner.

3. The commissioner or his delegate shall have power to subpoena and compel the attendance of witnesses and the production for examination of any book or paper relating to the matter under investigation. The commissioner or his delegate at the request of any respondent to a complaint made pursuant to this article shall subpoena and compel the attendance of such witnesses and shall require the production for examination of any such book or paper relating to the matter under investigation as the respondent may reasonably designate.

4. In the case of contumacy or refusal to obey a subpoena, the supreme court shall have jurisdiction upon the application of the commissioner or his delegate to issue an order requiring such person to appear and testify or produce evidence as the case may require. Any failure to obey such an order may be judged by the court as contempt thereof.

5. The testimony taken at the hearing before the commissioner or his delegate shall be under oath and recorded, stenographically or otherwise.