Current through Vol. 24-19, November 1, 2024
Section R. 432.1708 - ProceedingsRule 708.
(1) The burden of proof is at all times on the petitioner. The petitioner shall have the affirmative responsibility of establishing, by clear and convincing evidence, any of the following:(a) The petitioner should have been awarded a license.(b) The license should have been renewed.(c) The transfer of ownership should have been approved.(d) The petitioner should not have been placed on the exclusion list.(e) Approval should have been granted.(2) Testimony shall be given under oath or affirmation. The hearing officer or recorder shall be authorized to administer oaths.(3) All parties may present an opening statement on the merits. The petitioner proceeds first. An adverse party may reserve an opening statement for a later time. The hearing officer may determine the length of time each party is permitted for the presentation of an opening statement.(4) The petitioner shall then present the petitioner's case-in-chief.(5) Upon conclusion of the petitioner's case-in-chief, an adverse party may move for a directed finding. The hearing officer may hear arguments on the motion or may grant, deny, or reserve any decision on the arguments on the motion, with or without argument.(6) If a motion for a directed finding is not made, or if a motion is denied or a decision on a motion for a directed finding is reserved, then the adverse party may present its case.(7) Each party may conduct cross-examination of adverse witnesses.(8) Upon conclusion of the adverse party's case, the petitioner may present evidence in rebuttal.(9) The hearing officer may ask questions of the witnesses and may request or allow additional evidence at any time, including additional rebuttal evidence.(10) Both parties may present closing argument. The petitioner proceeds first, then the adverse party. After closing argument, the petitioner may present rebuttal argument. The hearing officer may determine the length of time each party is permitted for the presentation of closing argument.(11) The hearing officer may require or allow the parties to submit post-hearing briefs, proposed findings of fact, and conclusions of law within 10 days of the conclusion of the hearing or within another time period the hearing officer orders.Mich. Admin. Code R. 432.1708