Opinion ID: 730879
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: The Request for Leave to Adduce Additional Evidence

Text: 28 The Toneys argue that the Judicial Officer erred in not reopening the hearing to allow the introduction of three 1990 inspection reports which state that their records were in compliance with applicable regulations. They fail to state a good reason why they could not have introduced this evidence at the original hearing, as a federal regulation requires. 7 C.F.R. § 1.146(a)(2). The fact that counsel was unaware of the reports is insufficient to justify reopening the hearing if the Toneys themselves knew about them, and there is nothing in the record or briefs to suggest that they did not. Moreover, we have no reason to dispute the Judicial Officer's conclusion that if received, [the reports'] weight would be infinitesimal. J.O. Dec. 107. 29 The Toneys also seek leave to adduce additional evidence to add information they received through a Freedom of Information Act request. Again, though they received the information after the hearing, they fail to explain why they could not have requested the information in time to present it at the hearing. We deny their request.