term "exceptions" means the document consolidating the exceptions and supporting brief. The brief shall contain (1) a table of contents, (ii) a table of citations, (iii) a concise statement of the case, (iv) a statement of the questions of law presented, and (v) the argument, presenting clearly the points of fact and law relied upon in support of the position taken on each question, with specific reference to the record and all legal or other materials relied on.

(b) The Commission may on its own initiative provide, by order adopted not later than 20 days after the time for filing exceptions expires, that an initial decision shall not become final, and that it shall be further reviewed or considered by the Commission.

(c) In any case in which an initial decision is subject to review in accordance with paragraph (a) or (b) of this section, the Commission may, on its own initiative or upon appropriate requests by a party, take any one or more of the following actions:

(1) Hear oral argument on the exceptions;

(2) Require the filing of briefs;

(3) Prior to or after oral argument or the filing of exceptions or briefs, reopen the record and/or remand the proceedings to the presiding officer to take further testimony or evidence;

(4) Prior to or after oral argument or the filing of exceptions or briefs, remand the proceedings to the presiding officer to make further findings or conclusions; and

(5) Prior to or after oral argument or the filing of exceptions or briefs, issue, or cause to be issued by the presiding officer, a supplemental initial decision.

(d) No initial decision shall become effective before 50 days after public release of the full text thereof is made unless otherwise ordered by the Commission. The timely filing of exceptions, the further review or consideration of an initial decision on the Commission's initiative, or the taking of action by the Commission under paragraph (c) of this section shall stay the effectiveness of the initial decision until the Commission's review thereof has been completed. If the effective date of an initial decision falls within any further time allowed for the filing

of exceptions, it shall be postponed automatically until 30 days after time for filing exceptions has expired.

(e) If no exceptions are filed, and the Commission has not ordered the review of an initial decision on its initiative, or has not taken action under paragraph (c) of this section, the initial decision shall become effective, an appropriate notation to that effect shall be entered in the docket of the case, and a "Public Notice" thereof shall be given by the Commission. The provisions of §1.108 shall not apply to such public notices.

(f) When any party fails to file exceptions within the specified time to an initial decision which proposes to deny its application, such party shall be deemed to have no interest in further prosecution of its application, and its application may be dismissed with prejudice for failure to prosecute.

(Sec. 40, 48 Stat. 1096, as amended; 47 U.S.C. 409)

[28 FR 12425, Nov. 22, 1963, as amended at 41 FR 14873, Apr. 8, 1976]

$1.277 Exceptions; oral arguments.

(a) The consolidated supporting brief and exceptions to the initial decision (see §1.276(a)(2)), including rulings upon motions or objections, shall point out with particularity alleged material errors in the decision or ruling and shall contain specific references to the page or pages of the transcript of hearing, exhibit or order if any on which the exception is based. Any objection not saved by exception filed pursuant to this section is waived.

(b) Within the period of time allowed in §1.276(a) for the filing of exceptions, any party may file a brief in support of an initial decision, in whole or in part, which may contain exceptions and which shall be similar in form to the brief in support of exceptions (see §1.276(a)(2)).

(c) Except by special permission, the consolidated brief and exceptions will not be accepted if the exceptions and argument exceed 25 double-spaced typewritten pages in length. (The table of contents and table of citations are not counted in the 25 page limit; however, all other contents of and attachments to the brief are counted.) Within 10 days, or such other time as the Com

mission or delegated authority may specify, after the time for filing exceptions has expired, any other party may file a reply brief, which shall not exceed 25 double spaced typewritten pages and shall contain a table of contents and a table of citations. If exceptions have been filed, any party may request oral argument not later than five days after the time for filing replies to the exceptions has expired. The Commission or delegated authority, in its discretion, will grant oral argument by order only in cases where such oral presentations will assist in the resolution of the issues presented. Within five days after release of an order designating an initial decision for oral argument, as provided in paragraph (d) of this section, any party who wishes to participate in oral argument shall file a written notice of intention to appear and participate in oral argument. Failure to file a written notice shall constitute a waiver of the opportunity to participate.

(d) Each order scheduling a case for oral argument will contain the allotment of time for each party for oral argument before the Commission. The Commission will grant, in its discretion, upon good cause shown, an extension of such time upon petition by a party, which petition must be filed within 5 days after issuance of said order for oral argument.

(e) Within 10 days after a transcript of oral argument has been filed in the office of the Secretary of the Commission, any party who participated in the oral argument may file with the Commission a motion requesting correction of the transcript, which motion shall be accompanied by proof of service thereof upon all other parties who participated in the oral argument. Within 5 days after the filing of such a motion, other parties may file a pleading in support of or in opposition to such motion. Thereafter, the officer who presided at the oral argument shall, by order, specify the corrections to be made in the transcript, and a copy of the order shall be served upon all parties to the proceeding. The officer who presided at the oral argument may, on his own initiative, by order, specify corrections to be made in the transcript on 5 days notice of the proposed

corrections to all parties who participated in the oral argument.

(f) Any commissioner or member of the Review Board who is not present at oral argument and who is otherwise authorized to participate in a final decision may participate in making that decision after reading the transcript of oral argument.

(Sec. 409, 48 Stat. 1096, as amended; 47 U.S.C. 409)

[28 FR 12425, Nov. 22, 1963, as amended at 41 FR 14873, Apr. 8, 1976; 41 FR 34259, Aug. 13, 1976; 44 FR 12426, Mar. 7, 1979; 56 FR 793, Jan. 9, 1991]

§1.279 Limitation of matters to be re

viewed.

Upon review of any initial decision, the Commission may, in its discretion, limit the issues to be reviewed to those findings and conclusions to which exceptions have been filed, or to those findings and conclusions specified in the Commission's order of review issued pursuant to §1.276(b).

§ 1.282 Final decision of the Commission.

(a) After opportunity has been afforded for the filing of proposed findings of fact and conclusions, exceptions, supporting statements, briefs, and for the holding of oral argument as provided in this subpart, the Commission will issue a final decision in each case in which an initial decision has not become final.

(b) The final decision shall contain:

(1) Findings of fact and conclusions, as well as the reasons or basis therefor, upon all the material issues of fact, law or discretion presented on the record;

(2) Rulings on each relevant and material exception filed; the Commission will deny irrelevant exceptions, or those which are not of decisional significance, without a specific statement of reasons prescribed by paragraph (b) (1) of this section; and

(3) The appropriate rule or oder and the sanction, relief or denial thereof. (Sec. 8(b), 60 Stat. 2422; 5 U.S.C. 1007(b)) [28 FR 12425, Nov. 22, 1963, as amended at 41 FR 14873, Apr. 8, 1976]

INTERLOCUTORY ACTIONS IN HEARING
PROCEEDINGS

$1.291 General provisions.

(a)(1) The Commission acts on petitions to amend, modify, enlarge or delete the issues in hearing proceedings which involve rule making matters exclusively. It also acts on interlocutory pleadings filed in matters or proceedings which are before the Commission.

(2) The Review Board acts on interlocutory pleadings in proceedings which are before the Board.

(3) The Chief Administrative Law Judge acts on those interlocutory matters listed in §0.351 of this chapter.

(4) All other interlocutory matters in hearing proceedings are acted on by the presiding officer. See $$0.218 and 0.341 of this chapter.

(5) Each interlocutory pleading shall indicate in its caption whether the pleading is to be acted upon by the Commission, the Review Board, the Chief Administrative Law Judge, or the presiding officer. If the pleading is to be acted upon by the presiding officer, he shall be identified by name.

(b) All interlocutory pleadings shall be submitted in accordance with the provisions of §§1.4, 1.44, 1.47, 1.48, 1.49, and 1.52.

(c)(1) Procedural rules governing interlocutory pleadings are set forth in §§ 1.294-1.298.

(2) Rules governing appeal from, and reconsideration of, interlocutory rulings made by the presiding officer are set forth in §§1.301 and 1.303.

(3) Rules governing the review of interlocutory rulings made by the Review Board or the Chief Administrative Law Judge are set forth in §§1.101, 1.102(b), 1.115, and 1.117. Petitions requesting reconsideration of an interlocutory ruling made by the Commission, the Review Board, or the Chief Administrative Law Judge will not be entertained. See, however, §1.113.

(d) No initial decision shall become effective under §1.276(e) until all interlocutory matters pending before the Review Board or the Commission in the proceeding at the time the initial decision is issued have been disposed of and the time allowed for appeal from interlocutory rulings of the presiding officer or the Review Board has expired.

(Secs. 4(1), 303(r) and 5(d)(1) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended; 47 CFR 0.61 and 0.283)

[29 FR 6443, May 16, 1964, as amended at 29 FR 12773, Sept. 10, 1964; 37 FR 19372, Sept. 20, 1972; 41 FR 14873, Apr. 8, 1976; 49 FR 4381, Feb. 6, 1984]

$1.294 Oppositions and replies.

(a) Any party to a hearing may file an opposition to an interlocutory request filed in that proceeding.

(b) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, oppositions shall be filed within 4 days after the original pleading is filed, and replies to oppositions will not be entertained. See, however, §1.732.

(c) Oppositions to pleadings in the following categories shall be filed within 10 days after the pleading is filed. Replies to such oppositions shall be filed within 5 days after the opposition is filed, and shall be limited to matters raised in the opposition.

(1) Petitions to amend, modify, enlarge, or delete the issues upon which the hearing was ordered.

(2) [Reserved]

(3) Petitions by adverse parties requesting dismissal of an application. (4) Joint requests for approval of agreements filed pursuant to §1.525.

(d) Additional pleadings may be filed only if specifically requested or authorized by the person(s) who is to make the ruling.

[29 FR 6444, May 16, 1964, as amended at 39 FR 10909, Mar. 22, 1974]

§1.296 Service.

No pleading filed pursuant to §1.51 or §1.294 will be considered unless it is accompanied by proof of service upon the parties to the proceeding.

(Secs. 4(1), 303(r) and 5(d)(1) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended; 47 CFR 0.61 and 0.283)

[49 FR 4381, Feb. 6, 1984]

§ 1.297 Oral argument.

Oral argument with respect to any contested interlocutory matter will be held when, in the opinion of the person(s) who is to make the ruling, the ends of justice will be best served thereby. Timely notice will be given of the date, time, and place of any such oral argument.

[29 FR 6444, May 16, 1964]

§ 1.298 Rulings; time for action.

(a) Unless it is found that irreparable injury would thereby be caused one of the parties, or that the public interest requires otherwise, or unless all parties have consented to the contrary, consideration of interlocutory requests will be withheld until the time for filing oppositions (and replies, if replies are allowed) has expired. As a matter of discretion, however, requests for continuances and extensions of time, requests for permission to file pleadings in excess of the length prescribed in this chapter, and requests for temporary relief may be ruled upon ex parte without waiting for the filing of responsive pleadings.

(b) In the discretion of the presiding officer, rulings on interlocutory matters may be made orally at the hearing. The presiding officer may, in his discretion, state his reasons on the record or subsequently issue a written statement of the reasons for his ruling, either separately or as part of the initial decision.

[28 FR 12425, Nov. 22, 1963, as amended at 29 FR 6444, May 16, 1964; 41 FR 14874, Apr. 8, 1976]

APPEAL AND RECONSIDERATION OF PRESIDING OFFICER'S RULING

§ 1.301 Appeal from presiding officer's interlocutory ruling; effective date of ruling.

(a) Interlocutory rulings which are appealable as a matter of right. Rulings listed in this paragraph are appealable as a matter of right. An appeal from such a ruling may not be deferred and raised as an exception to the initial decision.

(1) If the presiding officer's ruling denies or terminates the right of any person to participate as a party to a hearing proceeding, such person, as a matter of right, may file an appeal from that ruling.

(2) If the presiding officer's ruling requires testimony or the production of documents, over objection based on a claim of privilege, the ruling on the claim of privilege is appealable as a matter of right.

(3) If the presiding officer's ruling denies a motion to disqualify the presiding judge, the ruling is appealable as a matter of right.

(4) Rulings granting a joint request filed under §1.525 without terminating the proceeding are appealable by any party as a matter of right.

(5) A ruling removing counsel from the hearing is appealable as a matter of right, by counsel on his own behalf or by his client. (In the event of such ruling, the presiding officer will adjourn the hearing for such period as is reasonably necessary for the client to secure new counsel and for counsel to familiarize himself with the case).

(b) Other interlocutory rulings. Except as provided in paragraph (a) of this section, appeals from interlocutory rulings of the presiding officer shall be filed only if allowed by the presiding officer. Any party desiring to file an appeal shall first file a request for permission to file appeal. The request shall be filed within 5 days after the order is released or (if no written order) after the ruling is made. Pleadings responsive to the request shall be filed only if they are requested by the presiding officer. The request shall contain a showing that the appeal presents a new or novel question of law or policy and that the ruling is such that error would be likely to require remand should the appeal be deferred and raised as an exception. The presiding officer shall determine whether the showing is such as to justify an interlocutory appeal and, in accordance with his determination, will either allow or disallow the appeal or modify the ruling. If the presiding officer allows or disallows the appeal, his ruling is final: Provided, however, That the Commission may, on its own motion, dismiss an appeal allowed by the presiding officer on the ground that objection to the ruling should be deferred and raised as an exception. In the discretion of the presiding officer, the request for permission to file appeal may be made orally, on the record of the proceeding. The request may be disposed of orally.

(1) If an appeal is not allowed, or is dismissed by the Commission, or if permission to file an appeal is not re

quested, objection to the ruling may be raised on review of the initial decision.

(2) If an appeal is allowed and is considered on its merits, the disposition on appeal is final. Objection to the ruling or to the action on appeal may not be raised on review of the initial decision.

(3) If the presiding officer modifies the ruling, any party adversely affected by the modified ruling may file a request for permission to file appeal, pursuant to the provisions of this paragraph.

(c) Procedures, effective date. (1) Unless the presiding officer orders otherwise, rulings made by him shall be effective when the order is released or (if no written order) when the ruling is made. The Commission may stay the effect of any ruling which comes before it for consideration on appeal.

(2) Appeals filed under paragraph (a) of this section shall be filed within 5 days after the order is released or (if no written order) after the ruling is made. Appeals filed under paragraph (b) of this section shall be filed within 5 days after the appeal is allowed.

(3) The appeal shall conform with the specifications set out in §1.49 and shall be subscribed and verified as provided in §1.52.

(4) The appeal shall be served on parties to the proceeding (see §§1.47 and 1.211), and shall be filed with the Secretary, Federal Communications Commission, Washington, D.C. 20554.

(5) The appeal shall not exceed 5 double-spaced typewritten pages.

(6) Appeals are acted on by the Review Board.

(7) Oppositions and replies shall be served and filed in the same manner as appeals and shall be served on appellant if he is not a party to the proceeding. Oppositions shall be filed within 5 days after the appeal is filed. Replies shall not be permitted, unless the Commission specifically requests them. Oppositions shall not exceed 5 doublespaced typewritten pages. Replies shall not exceed 5 double-spaced typewritten pages.

(Secs. 4, 303, 307, 48 Stat., as amended, 1066, 1082, 1083; 47 U.S.C. 154, 303, 307)

[35 FR 17333, Nov. 11, 1970, as amended at 40 FR 39509, Aug. 28, 1975; 41 FR 14874, Apr. 8,

1976; 41 FR 28789, July 13, 1976; 46 FR 58682, Dec. 3, 1981; 55 FR 36641, Sept. 6, 1990]

§1.302 Appeal from presiding officer's final ruling; effective date of ruling. (a) If the presiding officer's ruling terminates a hearing proceeding, any party to the proceeding, as a matter of right, may file an appeal from that ruling within 30 days after the ruling is released.

(b) Any party who desires to preserve the right to appeal shall file a notice of appeal within 10 days after the ruling is released. If a notice of appeal is not filed within 10 days, the ruling shall be effective 30 days after the ruling is released and within this period, may be reviewed by the Commission or the Review Board on its own motion. If an appeal is not filed following notice of appeal, the ruling shall be effective 50 days after the day of its release and, within this period, may be reviewed by the Commission or the Review Board on its own motion. If an appeal is filed, or if the Commission or the Review Board reviews the ruling on its own motion, the effect of the ruling is further stayed pending the completion of proceedings on appeal or review.

(c) The appeal shall conform with the specifications set out in §1.49 and shall be subscribed and verified as provided in §1.52.

(d) The appeal shall be served on parties to the proceeding (see §§1.47 and 1.211), and shall be filed with the Secretary, Federal Communications Commission, Washington, D.C. 20554.

(e) The appeal shall not exceed 25 double-spaced typewritten pages.

(f) If the Commission would have reviewed an initial decision in the proceeding (see §0.365(a) of this chapter), the Commission will act on the appeal. In all other cases, the appeal will be acted on by the Review Board. The caption of the appeal shall specify whether the appeal is to be acted on by the Commission or the Review Board.

(g) Oppositions and replies shall be filed and served in the same manner as the appeal. Oppositions to an appeal shall be filed within 15 days after the appeal is filed. Replies to oppositions shall be filed within 10 days after the opposition is filed and shall be limited to matters raised in the oppositions.