Section 270.444  Evidence

a)         The ALJ shall admit evidence that is admissible under the law in civil cases in the circuit courts of this State. In addition, the ALJ may admit material, relevant evidence, of the type commonly relied upon by reasonably prudent persons in the conduct of serious affairs, that is reasonably reliable and reasonably necessary to resolution of the issue for which it is offered.

b)         The ALJ shall exclude immaterial, irrelevant or unduly repetitious evidence.

c)         A party may object to evidentiary offers. These objections shall be noted in the record.

d)         The parties may, by stipulation, agree upon any facts involved in the proceeding. The facts stipulated will be considered as evidence in the proceeding.

e)         Official notice may be taken of all facts of which judicial notice may be taken and of other facts, of a technical nature, within the specialized knowledge and experience of the Department.

f)         Except as otherwise mandated by law, the privilege of a witness, person, or Illinois or non-Illinois governmental entity will be governed by the principles of the common law as they may be interpreted by Illinois courts.

(Source:  Added at 42 Ill. Reg. 9226, effective July 1, 2018)