Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 75 - REGULATION OF TRADE, COMMERCE AND INVESTMENTS (§§ 75-1-101 — 75-NEW-NEW-007) › Chapter 35 - MEAT INSPECTION (§§ 75-35-1 — 75-35-327) › Article 7 - AUXILIARY PROVISIONS (§§ 75-35-301 — 75-35-327) › Section 75-35-315 - Attendance of witnesses and production of documentary evidence; issuance of, and obedience to, subpoenas; mandamus to compel compliance with law; depositions; witness fees

(1)
For the purposes of this chapter, the commissioner shall at all reasonable times have access to, for the purpose of examination, and the right to copy, any documentary evidence of any person, firm, or corporation being investigated or proceeded against, and may require by subpoena the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of all documentary evidence of any person, firm, or corporation relating to any matter under investigation. The commissioner may issue and sign subpoenas and may administer oaths and affirmations, examine witnesses, and receive evidence.
(2)
Such attendance of witnesses, and the production of such documentary evidence, may be required at any designated place of hearing. In case of disobedience to a subpoena, the commissioner may invoke the aid of any court designated in Section
75-35-307
in requiring the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of documentary evidence.
(3)
Any of the courts designated in Section
75-35-307
within the jurisdiction of which such inquiry is carried on may, in case of contumacy or refusal to obey a subpoena issued to any person, firm, or corporation, issue an order requiring such person, firm, or corporation to appear before the commissioner, or to produce documentary evidence if so ordered, or to give evidence touching the matter in question; and any failure to obey such order of the court may be punished by such court as a contempt thereof.
(4)
Upon the application of the attorney general of this state at the request of the commissioner, the circuit court shall have jurisdiction to issue writs of mandamus commanding any person, firm, or corporation to comply with the provisions of this chapter or any order of the commissioner made in pursuance thereof.
(5)
The commissioner may order testimony to be taken by deposition in any proceeding or investigation pending under this chapter at any stage of such proceeding or investigation. Such depositions may be taken before any person designated by the commissioner and having power to administer oaths. Such testimony shall be reduced to writing by the person taking the deposition, or under his direction and shall then be subscribed by the deponent. Any person may be compelled to appear and depose and to produce documentary evidence in the same manner as witnesses may be compelled to appear and testify and produce documentary evidence before the commissioner as hereinbefore provided.
(6)
Witnesses summoned before the commissioner shall be paid the same fees and mileage that are paid witnesses in the courts of this state, and witnesses whose depositions are taken and the persons taking the same shall severally be entitled to the same fees as are paid for like services in such courts.
Codes, 1942, § 4575-179, Laws, 1968, ch. 245, § 28(b), eff. 7/1/1968.