§ 2.1235 - Oral presentations; oral questions.

(a) Upon a determination that it is necessary to create an adequate record for decision, in his or her discretion the presiding officer may allow or require oral presentations by any party or § 2.1211(b) participant, including testimony by witnesses. Oral presentations are subject to any appropriate time limits the presiding officer imposes. Responsibility for the conduct of the examination of any witness rests with the presiding officer who may allow a party or § 2.1211(b) participant to propose questions for the presiding officer to pose to a witness.

(b) Oral presentations and responses to oral questioning to be relied upon as oral evidence must be given under oath or affirmation. All oral presentations or oral questioning must be stenographically reported and, except as requested pursuant to section 181 of the Act, must be public unless otherwise ordered by the Commission.

(c) Strict rules of evidence do not apply to oral submissions under this section, but the presiding officer may, on motion or on the presiding officer's own initiative, strike any portion of an oral presentation or a response to oral questioning that is cumulative, irrelevant, immaterial, or unreliable.