Protection of Children Act Tribunal Regulations 2000

PART V Hearing

Hearing to be in public

26.—(1) The hearing must be in public except where a direction has been made under regulation 25 that the press and public shall be excluded.

(2) Whether or not the hearing is held in public—

(a) a member of the Council on Tribunals;

(b) the President; and

(c) the clerk,

are entitled to attend the hearing.

(3) Whether or not the hearing is held in public—

(a) a member of the Council on Tribunals, and

(b) the President,

may remain present during the Tribunal’s deliberations, but must not take part in the deliberations.

Procedure at the hearing

27.—(1) The Tribunal may regulate its own procedure.

(2) At the beginning of the hearing the chairman must explain the order of proceedings which the Tribunal proposes to adopt.

(3) The parties may be represented or assisted at the hearing by any person.

(4) If either party fails to attend or be represented at the hearing, the Tribunal may hear and determine the case in that party’s absence.

(5) The Tribunal may from time to time adjourn the hearing.

Evidence

28.—(1) The Tribunal may consider any evidence, whether or not it would be admissible in a court of law.

(2) The applicant has the right to give evidence at the hearing in person, and any other witness may do so unless the President has directed otherwise.

(3) No child may be asked any question except by a person appointed under regulation 22.

(4) The Tribunal may require any witness to give evidence on oath or affirmation which may be administered for the purpose by the chairman or the clerk.