Procedure at the hearingU.K.
31.—(1) Subject to paragraph (3) the rules on admissibility of evidence that apply in civil proceedings in the appropriate court in that part of the United Kingdom in which the hearing takes place shall apply.
(2) In paragraph (1) the “appropriate court” means a county court or, in Scotland, a sheriff.
(3) The Appeal Panel may hear or receive evidence which would not be admissible in such proceedings if it is satisfied that admission of that evidence is necessary in order to protect members of the public.
(4) The Appeal Panel may require any person (other than the appellant) to attend a hearing and give evidence or produce documents.
(5) At any hearing the Appeal Panel may, if it is satisfied that it is just and reasonable to do so, permit a party to rely on grounds not stated in the notice of appeal or to adduce any evidence not presented to the Registrar before she took the disputed decision.
(6) Where the appellant has been convicted of a criminal offence, a certified copy of the certificate of conviction (or, in Scotland, an extract conviction) shall be admissible as proof of that conviction and of the findings of fact upon which it was based.
(7) The Appeal Panel may require evidence to be given on oath or affirmation and for that purpose may administer oaths or affirmations in an appropriate form.