Independent Research by Agency Adjudicators in the Internet Age

Recommendation 2019-6 – Independent Research by Agency Adjudicators in the Internet Age addresses agency adjudicators’ increasing reliance on their own factual research—especially internet research—when conducting hearings and deciding cases. Though such independent research can be an efficient means to acquire facts, it can also raise concerns regarding the accuracy of information uncovered and fairness to the litigants. The recommendation encourages agencies to develop publicly available policies on independent research that identify sources of information that are reliable in all cases, set forth standards for adjudicators to apply when assessing the reliability of other sources, and ensure that litigants have ready access to all sources.

Citation: Admin. Conf. of the U.S., Recommendation 2019-6, Independent Research by Agency Adjudicators in the Internet Age, 84 Fed. Reg. 71350 (Dec. 27, 2019).

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Project Documents

Name Committee Type Date File
Agenda for Committee Meeting 10-16-2019 Committee on Adjudication Agenda Download Agenda for Committee Meeting 10-16-2019
Agenda for Committee Meeting 9-26-2019 Committee on Adjudication Agenda Download Agenda for Committee Meeting 9-26-2019
Independent Research by Agency Adjudicators in the Internet Age Committee on Adjudication Recommendation Download Independent Research by Agency Adjudicators in the Internet Age
Recommendation Redline for Plenary - Internet Evidence in Agency Adjudication Committee on Adjudication Recommendation Download Recommendation Redline for Plenary - Internet Evidence in Agency Adjudication
Proposed Recommendation for Plenary - Internet Evidence in Agency Adjudication - Clean Committee on Adjudication Recommendation Download Proposed Recommendation for Plenary - Internet Evidence in Agency Adjudication - Clean
Proposed Recommendation from Committee - Internet Evidence in Agency Adjudication Committee on Adjudication Recommendation Download Proposed Recommendation from Committee - Internet Evidence in Agency Adjudication
Draft Recommendation on Internet Evidence in Agency Adjudication for 10-16-2019 Committee Meeting Committee on Adjudication Recommendation Download Draft Recommendation on Internet Evidence in Agency Adjudication for 10-16-2019 Committee Meeting
Draft Recommendation on Internet Evidence in Agency Adjudication with 9-26-2019 Committee Meeting Redline Committee on Adjudication Recommendation Download Draft Recommendation on Internet Evidence in Agency Adjudication with 9-26-2019 Committee Meeting Redline
Draft Recommendation on Internet Evidence in Agency Adjudication for 9-26-2019 Committee Meeting Committee on Adjudication Recommendation Download Draft Recommendation on Internet Evidence in Agency Adjudication for 9-26-2019 Committee Meeting
Independent Research by Agency Adjudicators in the Internet Age (Final Report) Committee on Adjudication Report Download Independent Research by Agency Adjudicators in the Internet Age (Final Report)
Draft Report on Internet Evidence in Agency Adjudication Committee on Adjudication Report Download Draft Report on Internet Evidence in Agency Adjudication
Comment from National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives Committee on Adjudication Comment Download Comment from National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives
Comment from Jeffrey S. Lubbers Committee on Adjudication Comment Download Comment from Jeffrey S. Lubbers
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