Article 9 Forms of hearing and consideration

(1)

The Tribunal’s power to determine their own procedure in relation to section 7 proceedings and complaints shall be subject to this rule.

(2)

The Tribunal shall be under no duty to hold oral hearings, but they may do so in accordance with this rule (and not otherwise).

(3)

The Tribunal may hold, at any stage of their consideration, oral hearings at which the complainant may make representations, give evidence and call witnesses.

(4)

The Tribunal may hold separate oral hearings which:

(a)

the person whose conduct is the subject of the complaint,

(b)

the public authority against which the section 7 proceedings are brought, or

(c)

any other person specified in section 68(7) of the Act,

may be required to attend and at which that person or authority may make representations, give evidence and call witnesses.

(5)

Within a period notified by the Tribunal for the purpose of this rule, the complainant, person or authority in question must inform the Tribunal of any witnesses he or it intends to call; and no other witnesses may be called without the leave of the Tribunal.

(6)

The Tribunal’s proceedings, including any oral hearings, shall be conducted in private.