Hearings

Section 130 Section 130.1120  Hearings The sequence to be followed for each contested case is as follows: a)         Pre-Hearing Conference – Optional.  The purposes of which are set out in Section 130.1118 of this Part; and b)         Hearings 1)         Preliminary matters – Motions, attempts to narrow issues or limit evidence; 2)         Opening Statements – The party initiating the hearing proceeds first; 3)         Case in Chief – Evidence and witnesses are presented by the party initiating the hearing.  As a witness' testimony is completed, he or she is subject to cross-examination; 4)         Defense (including affirmative defense) – Evidence and witnesses may be presented by the opposing parties; 5)         Rebuttal; 6)         Closing Statements – The party bearing the burden of proof proceeds first, then the opposing party, then a final reply by the party bearing the burden of proof; and 7)         Hearing Officer's Report consisting of:  a statement of matters officially noticed, proposed findings of fact, proposed conclusions of law, and proposed recommendation as to disposition by the hearing officer.