Rule 17.07 - CONDUCT OF THE HEARING (SUPREME COURT RULES 90 AND 91)A. Hearings shall be conducted in general conformity with the procedures followed in civil trials. The chairperson shall administer oaths and affirmations to witnesses. Rulings concerning the admissibility of evidence and applicability of law shall be made by the chairperson upon consultation with the panel members. Findings made at the close of the plaintiff's case or upon the close of all proof shall be by agreement of a majority of the arbitrators.B. At the commencement of the hearing, the attorneys for the parties will provide a brief written statement of the nature of the case, which shall include a stipulation as to all of the relevant facts to which the parties agree. The stipulation shall include, if applicable, relevant contract terms, dates, times, places, location of traffic control devices, year, make and model of automobiles or other vehicles, equipment or goods and products which are involved in the litigation and other relevant and material facts. Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, a stipulation to liability shall be binding on the parties at an eventual trial if a rejection is filed. The time devoted to the presentation of evidence should be limited to those facts upon which the parties genuinely disagree. Counsel shall provide the arbitration panel with copies of any legal authority upon which they rely.C. Established rules of evidence shall be followed in all hearings before arbitrators, except as provided in Supreme Court Rule 90.D. The failure of a party to be present at an arbitration hearing, either in person or through counsel, shall be governed by the provisions of Supreme Court Rule 91a. E. All parties to the arbitration hearing must participate in the hearing in good faith and in a meaningful manner as provided in Supreme Court Rule 91b.F. A stenographic record or recording of the hearing shall not be made unless a party does so at the party's own expense. If a party has a stenographic record transcribed, the original must first be filed with the Circuit Clerk, a copy of which shall be furnished to any other party requesting same upon payment of a proportionate share of the total cost of the making of the record or recording and the duplication of same. The party providing the reporter shall inform the chairperson of the reporter's name, address and reporting firm before commencing. No sound recording equipment shall be allowed in the arbitration hearing except as utilized by a court reporter.G. Any party requiring the services of a language interpreter during the hearing shall be responsible for providing the same. Every order setting a case for arbitration shall clearly indicate whether a party or the parties are bringing an interpreter. Any party requiring the services of an interpreter or other assistance for the deaf or hearing impaired shall notify the Arbitration Administrator of said need not less than seven (7) days prior to the hearing.H. Hearings are to be conducted to facilitate disclosure of all relevant evidence and to obtain substantial justice for all of the parties. All exhibits admitted into evidence shall be retained by the panel until the entry of the award. It is the duty of the attorneys or parties to retrieve such exhibits from the Arbitration Administrator within seven (7) days after the entry of judgment, a notice of rejection, or an order of dismissal. All exhibits not retrieved shall be destroyed.
Ill. R. Cir. Ct. McHenry Cnty. 17.07