(a) The Commission’s policy is to make official records available to private litigants, to the fullest extent possible.

Terms Used In 16 CFR 1016.1

  • Litigation: A case, controversy, or lawsuit. Participants (plaintiffs and defendants) in lawsuits are called litigants.

(b) The Commission’s policy and responsibility is to conserve the time of its employees for work on Commission projects and activities. Participation of Commission employees in private litigation, in their official capacities, is generally contrary to this policy and responsibility. In addition, such participation could impair the effectiveness of Commission employees as witness in litigation in which the Commission is directly involved.