§ 132. Investigate matters relating to the canal system; immunity of witnesses. 1. The corporation may, whenever the corporation shall deem it necessary, to effectively accomplish the purposes of this chapter, investigate any or all matters and transactions connected with or relating to the canal system. The corporation shall hear and take proofs in regard to any matter pending before it or which it is authorized to examine or investigate. It shall have power to investigate into the official conduct of any subordinate officer or employee and shall have the power to issue subpoenas for and require the attendance of witnesses and the production of all books and papers relating to any matter under inquiry. All such subpoenas shall be issued under the hand and seal of the corporation. A subpoena issued under this section shall be regulated by the civil practice law and rules. The testimony of witnesses in any such proceedings shall be under oath and the state officer instituting the proceedings shall have power to administer oaths. A witness may have counsel and his examination by such counsel shall be reduced in writing as part of his deposition.

Terms Used In N.Y. Canal Law 132

  • Corporation: A legal entity owned by the holders of shares of stock that have been issued, and that can own, receive, and transfer property, and carry on business in its own name.
  • Deposition: An oral statement made before an officer authorized by law to administer oaths. Such statements are often taken to examine potential witnesses, to obtain discovery, or to be used later in trial.
  • 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.
  • Oath: A promise to tell the truth.
  • Subpoena: A command to a witness to appear and give testimony.
  • Testimony: Evidence presented orally by witnesses during trials or before grand juries.

2. In any investigation under this article, the corporation may confer immunity in accordance with the provisions of § 50.20 of the criminal procedure law.

3. All evidence taken under this section shall be filed with the attorney-general. The expenses incurred in such investigation shall be paid from the canal fund.