### Question
How is the "informal hearing" defined?


### Answer
The term **informal hearing** is defined in *21 U.S.C. § 321* as follows -

> a hearing which is not subject to section 554, 556, or 557 of title 5 and which provides for the following:


(1) The presiding officer in the hearing shall be designated by the Secretary from officers and employees of the Department who have not participated in any action of the Secretary which is the subject of the hearing and who are not directly responsible to an officer or employee of the Department who has participated in any such action

#### Citation:
  - *21 U.S.C. § 321*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 8-NARCOTIC FARMS > SUBCHAPTER II-DEFINITIONS**

