US Code

Public Law 119-73 (01/23/2026)

5 U.S.C. § 303

Oaths to witnesses

(a)
An employee of an Executive department lawfully assigned to investigate frauds on or attempts to defraud the United States, or irregularity or misconduct of an employee or agent of the United States, may administer an oath to a witness attending to testify or depose in the course of the investigation.
(b)
An employee of the Department of Defense lawfully assigned to investigative duties may administer oaths to witnesses in connection with an official investigation.

Pub. L. 89–55480 Stat. 379Pub. L. 94–21390 Stat. 179(, , ; , , .)

Historical and Revision Notes

Derivation

U.S. Code

Revised Statutes and

Statutes at Large

 

5 U.S.C. 93.

R.S. § 183.

Mar. 2, 1901, ch. 809, § 3, 31 Stat. 951.

Feb. 13, 1911, ch. 43, 36 Stat. 898.

section 636 of title 14section 936(b) of title 10The word “employee” is substituted for “officer or clerk” in view of the definition in section 2105. The words “Executive department” are substituted for “departments” as the definition of “department” applicable to this section is coextensive with the definition of “Executive department” in section 101. So much as related to the Armed Forces is omitted as superseded by and .

Act of July 26, 1947, ch. 343, § 201(d)Aug. 10, 1949, ch. 412, § 463 Stat. 5795 U.S.C. 171–1This section was part of title IV of the Revised Statutes. The , as added , (formerly ), which provides “Except to the extent inconsistent with the provisions of this Act [National Security Act of 1947], the provisions of title IV of the Revised Statutes as now or hereafter amended shall be applicable to the Department of Defense” is omitted from this title but is not repealed.

Standard changes are made to conform with the definitions applicable and the style of this title as outlined in the preface to the report.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

Pub. L. 94–2131976— designated existing provisions as subsec. (a) and added subsec. (b).