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HomeGovernment CodeDiv. 3Pt. 1Ch. 2Art. 2§ 11184 Department Subpoena Authority

§ 11184 Department Subpoena Authority

Government Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 11184 Department Subpoena Authority

Key Takeaways

  • •The boss of a government department can make people come to a hearing or give information by sending them official papers called subpoenas.
  • •These papers must be given to people the same way as court papers, like handing them directly or mailing them.
  • •If a company or group (not a person) gets a subpoena, they have to send someone who knows the most about what’s being asked.
  • •The person who delivers the subpoena can get paid for doing it, but not too much money.

Example

A store is being investigated for selling bad food. The government sends a subpoena to the store.

The store has to send its manager (or someone who knows about the food) to answer questions. The subpoena must be handed to the store the right way, like giving it to the owner in person. The person who delivers the subpoena can get a small payment for their time.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 11184 Department Subpoena Authority

(a) In any hearing in any part of the state or in any investigation conducted under this article, the head of the department shall issue process and subpoenas in a manner consistent with the California Constitution and the United States Constitution, and the process and subpoenas shall be served in the same manner as provided for the service of a summons as described in Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 413.10) of Title 5 of Part 2 of the Code of Civil Procedure. Service of process and subpoenas may be effectuated by any person designated for that purpose by the head of the department. The person serving any process or a subpoena may receive compensation as is allowed by the head of the department not to exceed the fees prescribed by law for similar service. This compensation shall be paid in the manner provided in this article for the payment of the fees of witnesses. (b) If the subpoena requires oral testimony from a witness who is not a natural person, the subpoena shall describe, with reasonable particularity, the matters on which examination is requested. In that event, the subpoenaed witness shall designate and produce at the hearing those natural persons who are most qualified to testify on behalf of the subpoenaed witness about those matters to the extent of any information known or reasonably available to the subpoenaed witness. The subpoena shall notify the witness named in the subpoena of its duty to designate and produce natural persons to testify as described in this subdivision. (Amended by Stats. 2003, Ch. 876, Sec. 8. Effective January 1, 2004.)

Last verified: January 22, 2026

Key Terms

process and subpoenasservice of a summonsChapter 4Title 5Part 2Code of Civil Procedure

Related Statutes

  • § 18671 Board Hearing Subpoena Powers
  • § 11180 Department Investigations And Prosecutions
  • § 11180.5 Interagency Criminal Investigation Assistance
  • § 11181 Department Investigation Powers
  • § 11182 Department Delegation Authority

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Government Code. Section 11184.
View Official Source