# 5 C.F.R. § 1820.18 (2026): Restrictions that apply to testimony

> Federal · Regulations · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T5_P1820_S1820_18

## Section

- **Citation:** 5 C.F.R. § 1820.18 (2026)
- **Heading:** Restrictions that apply to testimony
- **Jurisdiction:** Federal
- **Kind:** Regulations
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Title 5 CFR: Administrative Personnel / Chapter VIII: OFFICE OF SPECIAL COUNSEL / Part 1820: FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT REQUESTS › PRODUCTION OF RECORDS OR TESTIMONY / Subpart B: Production of Records or Testimony / § 1820.18: § 1820.18   Restrictions that apply to testimony.

## Text

(a) The General Counsel may impose conditions or restrictions on OSC employee testimony including, for example:
(1) Limiting the areas of testimony;
(2) Requiring the requestor and other parties to the legal proceeding to agree that the transcript of the testimony will be kept under seal;
(3) Requiring that the transcript will be used or made available only in the particular legal proceeding for which testimony was requested.
(b) OSC may offer the employee's written declaration in lieu of testimony.
(c) If authorized to testify under this part, employees may testify as to facts within their personal knowledge, but, unless specifically authorized to do so by the General Counsel, the employee shall not:
(1) Reveal confidential or privileged information; or
(2) For a current OSC 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 OSC unless testimony is being given on behalf of the United States (see also 5 CFR 2635.805).
(d) The scheduling of an employee's testimony, including the amount of time that the employee will be made available for testimony, will be subject to OSC's approval.

## Nearby sections

- [5 C.F.R. § 1820.10 (2026) § 1820.10   Scope and purpose.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T5_P1820_S1820_10.md)
- [5 C.F.R. § 1820.11 (2026) § 1820.11   Applicability.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T5_P1820_S1820_11.md)
- [5 C.F.R. § 1820.12 (2026) § 1820.12   Definitions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T5_P1820_S1820_12.md)
- [5 C.F.R. § 1820.13 (2026) § 1820.13   General prohibition.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T5_P1820_S1820_13.md)
- [5 C.F.R. § 1820.14 (2026) § 1820.14   Factors OSC will consider.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T5_P1820_S1820_14.md)
- [5 C.F.R. § 1820.15 (2026) § 1820.15   Service of requests or demands.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T5_P1820_S1820_15.md)
- [5 C.F.R. § 1820.16 (2026) § 1820.16   Requirements for litigants seeking documents or testimony.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T5_P1820_S1820_16.md)
- [5 C.F.R. § 1820.17 (2026) § 1820.17   Processing requests or demands.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T5_P1820_S1820_17.md)
- [5 C.F.R. § 1820.18 (2026) § 1820.18   Restrictions that apply to testimony.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T5_P1820_S1820_18.md)
- [5 C.F.R. § 1820.19 (2026) § 1820.19   Restrictions that apply to released records.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T5_P1820_S1820_19.md)
- [5 C.F.R. § 1820.20 (2026) § 1820.20   Procedure in the event a decision is not made prior to the time a response is required.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T5_P1820_S1820_20.md)
- [5 C.F.R. § 1820.21 (2026) § 1820.21   Fees.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T5_P1820_S1820_21.md)
- [5 C.F.R. § 1820.22 (2026) § 1820.22   Final determination.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T5_P1820_S1820_22.md)
- [5 C.F.R. § 1820.23 (2026) § 1820.23   Penalties.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T5_P1820_S1820_23.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T5_P1820_S1820_18. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.