R657-2-16. Hearings, Evidence, and Argument

(1)(a) After the commencement of an adjudicative proceeding, the presiding officer may hold a hearing if:

(i) a hearing is required by statute or rule; or

(ii) a hearing is requested by a party within 30 days after the commencement of the adjudicative proceeding.

(b) The presiding officer may, at the presiding officer's discretion, initiate a hearing to determine matters within the presiding officer's authority.

(2) Notice of the hearing shall be served on all parties by regular mail at least 10 days prior to the hearing.

(3) If the hearing is informal, it shall be conducted in accordance with the provisions of Section 63G-4-203. If the hearing is formal it shall be conducted in accordance with the provisions of Section 63G-4-206.

(4)(a) An informal hearing may be conducted without adherence to the rules of evidence required in judicial proceedings. The Utah Rules of Evidence shall be used as a guide for evidentiary matters in formal hearings.

(b) The presiding officer may exclude irrelevant, immaterial, or unduly repetitious evidence from the hearing.

(c) The weight given to evidence shall be determined by the presiding officer.

(5) Hearsay evidence is admissible in informal and formal hearings consistent with Utah law governing the admissibility of such in administrative adjudicative proceedings.

(6) Documentary evidence may be received in the form of copies or excerpts and, upon request, parties shall be given an opportunity to compare the copy with the original.

(7) Upon the conclusion of taking evidence, the presiding officer may, in the presiding officer's discretion, permit the parties to make closing oral arguments.