An examiner uses the power of the court to request interviews and documents.

FORBES: The Bankruptcy Examiner's Report: Shining A Bright Light On Auditor Failure

Separately, the SEC intends to ask Judge Arthur Gonzalez of the U.S. bankruptcy court in New York to appoint an independent examiner with wider power to investigate Enron's downfall and the potential conflicts of interest between investment banks--some of the largest creditors of the company--and its other creditors.

FORBES: Enron Probe Widens On Two Fronts