§ 1.210 - What does this subpart cover?

§ 1.210 What does this subpart cover?

(a) This subpart sets forth the procedures to be followed with respect to demands seeking official information or employee testimony relating to official information for use in a legal proceeding.

(b) This subpart does not apply to:

(1) Congressional requests or subpoenas for official information or testimony relating to official information;

(2) Federal court civil proceedings in which the United States is a party;

(3) Federal administrative proceedings in which the Department is a party;

(4) The disclosure of official information or testimony relating to official information provided to other Federal agencies, including United States Department of Justice attorneys, in connection with a legal proceeding conducted on behalf of or in defense of the United States or a legal proceeding in which the United States has an interest; and

(5) Employees who testify, while on their own time or in approved leave status, as private citizens as to facts or events that are not related to the official business of the Department.

(c) Nothing in this subpart affects the rights, procedures, or Department regulations governing requests for, and release of, records under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA, 5 U.S.C. 552), the Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. 552a), or the Government in the Sunshine Act (5 U.S.C. 552b).

(d) Nothing in this subpart affects procedures governing requests for authentication or certified copies of records under § 1.10.

(e) Nothing in this subpart permits the Department or employees to disclose official in-formation or give testimony relating to official information if the disclosure or testimony is protected or prohibited by statute or other applicable law.

(f) This subpart only provides guidance for the internal operations of the Department, and neither creates nor is intended to waive the sovereign immunity of the United States or create any enforceable right or benefit against the United States.