Below are RIBO’s virtual hearing guidelines intended to facilitate a streamlined process.
The guidelines do not override existing legislation. In case of any conflict between these guidelines and applicable laws, the legislation takes precedence.
The virtual hearing guidelines are established under Section 3(3) of the Hearings in Tribunal Proceedings (Temporary Measures) Act and have been in effect since January 1, 2021.
1. RIBO hearings will be conducted electronically via a third-party video conferencing platform selected by RIBO.
2. RIBO will provide instructions to participants on accessing the platform and offer the option for a test run.
3. The Panel may adjourn any portion of the hearing due to technical issues or platform-related problems.
4. Participants must have a computer with video capability and a stable internet connection sufficient to support the video platform.
5. Audio equipment must provide clear sound without feedback to ensure accurate recording of testimony.
6. Devices must be fully charged or plugged in to avoid disconnection.
7. Participants must be in a professional, private setting suitable for a formal hearing.
8. Witnesses must ensure they are in a private location, free from external interruptions.
9. Participants should mute their microphones when not speaking and await direction from the Panel to speak.
10. Participants may raise their hand to request speaking time and must not interrupt others.
11. Participants must avoid speaking over one another to ensure proper recording by the court reporter.
12. Business attire is required, and participants must maintain professionalism throughout the Hearing.
13. All documents and evidence must be exchanged between parties 21 calendar days before the hearing.
14. Parties should discuss the admissibility of evidence in advance to resolve any issues.
15. Documents to be admitted by consent must be submitted electronically to the RIBO Hearings Coordinator at least 14 calendar days before the hearing.
16. Documents not admitted by consent should be sent in encrypted emails, accessible only upon the Panel’s direction.
17. The Panel may exclude any documents not provided in advance and may adjourn the Hearing to address late submissions.
18. A list of witnesses and their contact information must be exchanged 14 calendar days before the hearing.
19. Parties must ensure witnesses have the technical ability to access the video platform and may request a technical check in advance.
20. Witnesses will be required to swear an affirmation, or an oath if using a religious text.
21. A pre-hearing conference may be requested at least 21 days in advance to address scheduling, document, or witness issues.
22. Pre-hearing conferences can be scheduled by contacting the Hearings Coordinator.
23. RIBO hearings are open to the public, and scheduled hearings will be posted on the RIBO website.
24. Members of the public must register with the Hearings Coordinator to receive the link to the Hearing.
25. Only registered individuals will be allowed access to the electronic hearing for security purposes.
26. Members of the public will not be permitted to participate or have their audio activated.
27. The Panel retains full discretion over the hearing process, including public participation.
28. The Panel will have a private method for deliberations and will inform participants about the expected duration and next steps for reconvening.
29. At the end of deliberations, the Panel will decide whether to proceed with the penalty phase immediately or reschedule it for another date.
30. The above guidelines apply, with necessary modifications, to the penalty phase.
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