Virginia Law

A. Generally. All relevant and material evidence shall be received, except that:

1. The rules relating to privileged communications and privileged topics shall be observed; and

2. Secondary evidence of the contents of a document shall be received only if the original is not readily available. In deciding whether a document is readily available the hearing officer shall balance the importance of the evidence against the difficulty of obtaining it, and the more important the evidence the more effort should be made to have the original document produced.

B. Cross-examination. Subject to the provisions of subsection A of this section, any interested party shall have the right to cross-examine adverse witnesses and any agent or subordinate of the board whose report is in evidence and to submit rebuttal evidence except that:

1. Where the interested party is represented by counsel, only counsel shall exercise the right of cross-examination;

2. Where there is more than one interested party, only counsel or other representatives of such parties shall exercise the right of cross-examination; and

3. Where there is more than one group of interested parties present for the same purpose, only counsel or other representative of such groups shall exercise the right of cross-examination. If the hearing officer deems it necessary, in order to expedite the proceedings, a merger of such groups shall be arranged.

C. Cumulative testimony. The introduction of evidence which is cumulative, corroborative or collateral shall be avoided. The hearing officer may limit the testimony of any witness which is judged to be cumulative, corroborative or collateral; however, the interested party offering such testimony may make a short avowal of the testimony which would be given and, if the witness asserts that such avowal is true, this avowal shall be made a part of the stenographic report.

D. Subpoenas, depositions and request for admissions. Subpoenas, depositions de bene esse and requests for admissions may be taken, directed and issued in accordance with §§ 4.1-103 10 and 9-6.14:13 of the Code of Virginia.

E. Stenographic report. All evidence, stipulations and argument in the stenographic report which are relevant to the matters in issue shall be deemed to have been introduced for the consideration of the board.

F. Stipulations. Insofar as possible, interested parties will be expected to stipulate as to any facts involved. Such stipulations shall be made a part of the stenographic report.