Section 100.170  Hearings

The sequence to be followed for all contested cases is as follows:

a)         Status Calls and Preliminary Hearings.  The purpose is to set a date on which all Parties expect to be prepared to proceed with their cases and to rule on any preliminary motions that are presented.

b)         Prehearings – Optional.  The purposes are set forth in Section 100.150.

c)         Formal Hearings

1)         Preliminary Matters – Motions, attempts to narrow issues or limit evidence.

2)         Opening Statements – The Party bearing the burden of proof proceeds first.

3)         Case in Chief – Evidence is presented by the Party bearing the burden of proof.

4)         Defense – Evidence may be presented by the opposing Party.

5)         Closing Statements – The Party bearing the burden of proof proceeds first, then the opposing Party, then a final word by the Party bearing the burden of proof.