Regulations last checked for updates: Feb 09, 2026

Title 6 - Domestic Security last revised: Jan 22, 2026
§ 13.24 - Protective order.

(a) A party or a prospective witness or deponent may file a motion for a protective order with respect to discovery sought by an opposing party or with respect to the hearing, seeking to limit the availability or disclosure of evidence.

(b) In issuing a protective order, the Presiding Officer may Make any order that justice requires to protect a party or Person from annoyance, embarrassment, oppression, or undue burden or expense, including one or more of the following:

(1) That the discovery not be had;

(2) That the discovery may be had only on specified terms and conditions, including a designation of the time or place;

(3) That the discovery may be had only through a method of discovery other than that requested;

(4) That certain matters not be inquired into, or that the scope of discovery be limited to certain matters;

(5) That discovery be conducted with no one present except Persons designated by the Presiding Officer;

(6) That the contents of discovery or evidence be sealed;

(7) That a deposition after being sealed be opened only by order of the Presiding Officer;

(8) That a trade secret or other confidential research, development, commercial information, or facts pertaining to any criminal investigation, proceeding, or other administrative investigation not be disclosed or be disclosed only in a designated way; and

(9) That the parties simultaneously submit to the Presiding Officer specified Documents or information enclosed in sealed envelopes to be opened as directed by the Presiding Officer.

authority: Pub. L. 107-296, 116 Stat. 2135 (6 U.S.C., Ch. 1, sections 101
source: 70 FR 59211, Oct. 12, 2005, unless otherwise noted.
cite as: 6 CFR 13.24