(a) In general. Oral argument shall be had in all cases except those in which the appellate court before which the case is pending enters an order providing for consideration of the case without oral argument.(b) Notice of argument; postponement; request for additional time to argue. The appellate clerk shall advise all parties whether oral argument is to be heard and, if so, of the time and place therefor, and the time to be allowed each side. A request for postponement of the argument or for the allowance of additional time to argue must be made by motion filed within 10 days of such notification. The request for additional time shall state the reasons the case cannot be presented within the time allotted.(c) Motion for retention of oral argument. If the appellate court has ordered a case submitted on the briefs, any party may, within 10 days after the mailing of the order, file a motion for retention of oral argument, supported by a statement of reasons. The appellate court may grant or deny such motion, and such grant or denial shall not be subject to review or reconsideration.(d) Order and content of argument. The appellant is entitled to open and conclude the argument. The opening argument may include a fair statement of the case. Counsel will not be permitted to read at length from briefs, records, or authorities.(e) Cross and separate appeals. A cross or separate appeal shall be argued with the initial appeal at a single argument, unless the appellate court otherwise directs. If a case involves a cross-appeal, the plaintiff in the trial court or agency action shall be deemed to be the appellant for the purpose of this rule unless the parties otherwise agree or the appellate court otherwise directs. If separate appellants support the same argument, care shall be taken to avoid duplication of argument. (f) Non-appearance of parties. If the appellee or counsel fails to appear to present argument, the appellate court may hear argument on behalf of the appellant. If the appellant or counsel fails to appear, the appellate court may hear argument from the appellee. If neither party nor counsel appears, the case will be decided on the briefs unless the court shall otherwise order. Sanctions may be assessed against attorneys of record or pro se parties who fail to appear.(g) Submission on briefs. By agreement of the parties, a case may be submitted for decision on the briefs. In any such case, the appellate court may require oral argument.(h) No oral argument by party failing to file brief. If the appellant or the appellee has failed to file an opening or answering brief, as the case may be, oral argument by that party's counsel, or the party, if pro se, will not be heard unless the appellate court directs otherwise.(i) Use of visual aids at argument; removal. If visual aids are to be used at the argument, counsel or the party, if pro se, shall arrange with the appellate clerk to have them placed in the courtroom before the appellate court convenes on the date of the argument. After the argument, counsel or the party, if pro se, shall cause the visual aids to be removed from the courtroom unless the appellate court otherwise directs. If the visual aids are not reclaimed by counsel or the pro se party within a reasonable time, they shall be destroyed or otherwise disposed of by the appellate clerk.Amended December 6, 1999, effective 1/1/2000.