# 36 C.F.R. § 1251.16 (2026): Are there any restrictions that apply to testimony?

> Federal · Regulations · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T36_P1251_S1251_16

## Section

- **Citation:** 36 C.F.R. § 1251.16 (2026)
- **Heading:** Are there any restrictions that apply to testimony?
- **Jurisdiction:** Federal
- **Kind:** Regulations
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Title 36 CFR: Parks, Forests, and Public Property / Chapter XII: NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS ADMINISTRATION / Part 1251: TESTIMONY BY NARA EMPLOYEES RELATING TO AGENCY INFORMATION AND PRODUCTION OF RECORDS IN LEGAL PROCEEDINGS / § 1251.16: § 1251.16   Are there any restrictions that apply to testimony?

## Text

(a) The General Counsel may impose conditions or restrictions on the testimony of NARA employees including, for example, limiting the areas of testimony or requiring the requester and other parties to the legal proceeding to agree that the transcript of the testimony will be kept under seal or will only be used or made available in the particular legal proceeding for which testimony was requested. The General Counsel may also require a copy of the transcript of testimony at the requester's expense.
(b) NARA may offer the employee's written declaration instead of testimony.
(c) If authorized to testify pursuant to this part, an employee may testify as to facts within his or her personal knowledge, but, unless specifically authorized to do so by the General Counsel, the employee must not:
(1) Disclose confidential or privileged information; or
(2) For a current NARA employee, testify as an expert or opinion witness with regard to any matter arising out of the employee's official duties or the functions of NARA unless testimony is being given on behalf of the United States.

## Nearby sections

- [36 C.F.R. § 1251.1 (2026) § 1251.1   What is the purpose of this part?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T36_P1251_S1251_1.md)
- [36 C.F.R. § 1251.2 (2026) § 1251.2   To what demands does this part apply?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T36_P1251_S1251_2.md)
- [36 C.F.R. § 1251.3 (2026) § 1251.3   What definitions apply to this part?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T36_P1251_S1251_3.md)
- [36 C.F.R. § 1251.4 (2026) § 1251.4   May employees provide records or give testimony in response to a demand without authorization?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T36_P1251_S1251_4.md)
- [36 C.F.R. § 1251.6 (2026) § 1251.6   How does the General Counsel determine whether to comply with a demand for records or testimony?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T36_P1251_S1251_6.md)
- [36 C.F.R. § 1251.8 (2026) § 1251.8   Who is authorized to accept service of a subpoena demanding the production of records or testimony?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T36_P1251_S1251_8.md)
- [36 C.F.R. § 1251.10 (2026) § 1251.10   What are the filing requirements for a demand for documents or testimony?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T36_P1251_S1251_10.md)
- [36 C.F.R. § 1251.12 (2026) § 1251.12   How does NARA process your demand?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T36_P1251_S1251_12.md)
- [36 C.F.R. § 1251.14 (2026) § 1251.14   Who makes the final determination on compliance with demands for records or testimony?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T36_P1251_S1251_14.md)
- [36 C.F.R. § 1251.16 (2026) § 1251.16   Are there any restrictions that apply to testimony?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T36_P1251_S1251_16.md)
- [36 C.F.R. § 1251.18 (2026) § 1251.18   Are there any restrictions that apply to the production of records?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T36_P1251_S1251_18.md)
- [36 C.F.R. § 1251.20 (2026) § 1251.20   Are there any fees associated with producing records or providing testimony?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T36_P1251_S1251_20.md)
- [36 C.F.R. § 1251.22 (2026) § 1251.22   Are there any penalties for providing records or testimony in violation of this part?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T36_P1251_S1251_22.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T36_P1251_S1251_16. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.