(a) The ALJ shall conduct a hearing on the record in order to determine whether the respondent is liable for a civil penalty or assessment under § 1.303 of this part, and if so, the appropriate amount of any such civil penalty or assessment considering any aggravating or mitigating factors.

Terms Used In 7 CFR 1.329

  • Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.

(b) The USDA shall prove respondent’s liability and any aggravating factors by a preponderance of the evidence.

(c) The respondent shall prove any affirmative defenses and any mitigating factors by a preponderance of the evidence.

(d) The hearing shall be open to the public unless otherwise ordered by the ALJ for good cause shown.