Current through November 30, 2024
Section 31.24 - Protective order(a) A party or a prospective witness or deponent may file a motion for a protective order with respect to discovery sought by an opposing party or with respect to the hearing, seeking to limit the availability or disclosure of evidence.(b) In issuing a protective order, the ALJ may make any order which justice requires to protect a party or person from annoyance, embarrassment, oppression, or undue burden or expense, including one or more of the following:(1) That the discovery not be had;(2) That the discovery may be had only on specified terms and conditions, including a designation of the time or place;(3) That the discovery may be had only through a method of discovery other than that requested;(4) That certain matters not be inquired into, or that the scope of discovery be limited to certain matters;(5) That discovery be conducted with no one present except persons designated by the ALJ;(6) That the contents of discovery or evidence be sealed;(7) That a deposition after being sealed be opened only by order of the ALJ;(8) That a trade secret or other confidential research, development, commercial information, or facts pertaining to any criminal investigation, proceeding, or other administrative investigation not be disclosed or be disclosed only in a designated way; or(9) That the parties simultaneously submit to the ALJ specified documents or information enclosed in sealed envelopes to be opened as directed by the ALJ.