D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 6, r. 6-B620

Current through Register Vol. 71, No. 49, December 6, 2024

Rule 6-B620 - DISCOVERY

620.1

Parties may obtain discovery by one (1) or more of the following methods:

(a) Depositions upon oral examination or written questions;

(b) Written interrogatories;

(c) Requests for production of documents or things for inspection and other purposes; and

(d) Requests for admission.

620.2

Unless the Administrative Judge orders otherwise, the methods described in § 620.1 may be used in any sequence. A party's conduct of discovery, whether by deposition or otherwise, shall not operate to delay any other party's discovery.

620.3

Unless the Administrative Judge directs otherwise, the parties may obtain discovery regarding any matter not privileged which is relevant to the subject matter involved in the pending appeal. Information sought may include the existence, description, nature, custody, condition and location of books, documents, or other tangible things and the identity and location of persons having any knowledge of any discoverable matter. It is not grounds for objection that the information sought will be inadmissible at an evidentiary hearing if the information sought appears reasonably calculated to lead to the discovery of admissible evidence.

620.4

The Administrative Judge may limit the frequency or use of discovery if:

(a) The discovery sought is unreasonably cumulative or duplicative, or is obtainable from some other source that is more convenient, less burdensome, or less expensive;

(b) The party seeking discovery has had ample opportunity by discovery in the appeal to obtain the information sought; or

(c) The discovery is unduly burdensome or expensive, in light of the nature of the case, the relief sought, the limitations on the parties' resources, and the importance of the issues involved in the case.

620.5

The Administrative Judge may deny discovery or make any order which justice requires to protect a party or other person from annoyance, embarrassment, oppression, or undue burden or expense, or to prevent undue delay in the proceeding.

620.6

Discovery may be commenced after the Office notifies the agency that the employee has filed the petition. Unless the Administrative Judge directs otherwise, discovery shall be completed by the date of the prehearing conference.

620.7

Discovery matters before the Office are intended to be of a simplified nature. Discovery procedures shall be established by the Administrative Judge as appropriate under the circumstances. For additional guidance on discovery procedures, the parties may refer to the District of Columbia Superior Court Rules of Civil Procedure, which should be interpreted as instructive rather than controlling.

D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 6, r. 6-B620

As amended by Final Rulemaking published at 46 DCR 9297 (November 19, 1999); as amended by Notice of Final Rulemaking published at 59 DCR 2129, 2141 (March 16, 2012); amended by Final Rulemaking published at 68 DCR 298 (1/14/2022)

Notice of Final Rulemaking published at 2129 (March 16, 2012) repealed and replaced the existing chapter 16 with a new chapter 16 (Rules and Regulations of the Office of Employee Appeals). Sections 606 -635 were renamed, and section 636 was repealed.

Authority: The Chairperson of the Office of Employee Appeals in accordance with § 602 of the District of Columbia Government Comprehensive Merit Personnel Act of 1978, effective March 3, 1979 (D.C. Law 2-139; D.C. Official Code § 1-606.02(a)(5) (2006 Repl.).