§ 58-79-10. Powers of Attorney General in investigations. - North Carolina Statutes

§58‑79‑10.  Powers of Attorney General in investigations.

The Attorney General, or hisdeputy appointed to conduct such examination, has the powers of a trial justicefor the purpose of summoning and compelling the attendance of witnesses totestify in relation to any matter which is by provisions of this Article asubject of inquiry and investigation, and may administer oaths and affirmationsto persons appearing as witnesses before them. False swearing in any suchmatter or proceeding is perjury and shall be punished as such. The AttorneyGeneral or his deputy has authority at all times of the day or night, inperformance of the duties imposed by the provisions of this Article, to enterupon and examine any building or premises where any fire has occurred, andother buildings and premises adjoining or near the same. All investigationsheld by or under the direction of the Attorney General or his deputy may, intheir discretion, be private, and persons other than those required to bepresent by the provisions of this Article may be excluded from the place wherethe investigation is held, and witnesses may be kept apart from each other andnot allowed to communicate with each other until they have been examined. (1899,c. 58, s. 3; 1901, c. 387, s. 3; Rev., s. 4820; C.S., s. 6076; 1943, c. 170;1977, c. 596, s. 2.)