EstatePass
Ny License Law Dos RegulationsDisciplinary_processHARD

During a DOS investigation into a broker's alleged escrow account violations, DOS issues a subpoena compelling production of the broker's business records. The broker's attorney moves to quash the subpoena, arguing the records are not sufficiently connected to the specific charges filed. Which legal standard governs whether DOS may compel production of those records in an administrative investigation?

Correct Answer

A) The records need only be relevant to the general subject matter of the investigation

In New York administrative proceedings, an agency's investigative subpoena power is broad. The governing standard is whether the records are relevant to the subject matter of the investigation — not whether they are tied to a specific charge or sufficient to prove a violation. This permissive relevance standard reflects the investigatory (pre-adjudicatory) nature of the subpoena: DOS need not have already assembled its case to compel records; it may use the subpoena as a tool to build it. New York courts have consistently upheld administrative subpoenas under this standard, analogous to the approach in Matter of La Belle Creole Int'l v. Attorney General, recognizing that administrative agencies require broad access to records to fulfill their regulatory mandates.

Answer Options
A
The records need only be relevant to the general subject matter of the investigation
B
The records must be directly related to the specific violation charged in the complaint
C
The records must contain admissible evidence sufficient to establish a prima facie case
D
The records must be shown to be material and necessary under the same standard applied in civil litigation

Why This Is the Correct Answer

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Deep Analysis of This Ny License Law Dos Regulations Question

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Background Knowledge for Ny License Law Dos Regulations

Sign up free to unlock full analysis
Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Real World Application in Ny License Law Dos Regulations

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Common Mistakes to Avoid on Ny License Law Dos Regulations Questions

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

investigative_powersrecord_productionrelevance_standardadministrative_investigation

Related Concepts

Setback requirements are zoning regulations that specify the minimum distance a building or structure must be set back from property lines, streets, or other boundaries. They ensure adequate light, air, and space between structures.

Spot zoning is an illegal or improper rezoning of a small parcel of land that is inconsistent with the surrounding zoning and the comprehensive plan. It benefits an individual owner rather than the community as a whole.

Subdivision regulations are local government rules that control the division of land into smaller parcels for development or sale. They ensure proper infrastructure, lot sizes, and public improvements are provided.

Was this explanation helpful?

More Ny License Law Dos Regulations Questions

People Also Study

Related Articles

Practice More Questions

Access 2,000+ practice questions and pass your real estate exam.

Start Practicing