Section 11-15-113 - Time, place and notice of hearing; procedure for conduct of hearingUnless otherwise provided by the agreement or provision for arbitration:
(a) The arbitrators so appointed shall set a time and place for the hearing and cause notification to the parties to be served personally in any manner provided for by law or by registered or certified mail not less than twenty (20) days before the hearing. Appearance at the hearing waives a party's right to such notice. The arbitrators may adjourn their hearing from time to time upon their own motion and shall do so upon the request of any party to the arbitration for good cause shown; provided that no adjournment or postponement of the hearing shall extend beyond the date fixed in the agreement or provision for making the award unless the parties consent to a later date.(b) A hearing shall be opened by the recording of the place, time and date of the hearing, the presence of the arbitrator and parties, and counsel, if any, and by the receipt by the arbitrator of the statement of the claim and answer, if any. The arbitrator may, at the beginning of the hearing, ask for a statement clarifying the issues involved.
The complaining party shall then present its claim, proofs and witnesses, who shall submit to questions or other examination. The defending party shall then present its defenses, proofs and witnesses, who shall submit to questions or other examination. The arbitrator may vary this procedure but shall afford full and equal opportunity to the parties for the presentation of any material or relevant proofs.
Any party shall be entitled to cross-examine the witnesses of any other party appearing at the hearing. Exhibits, when offered by either party, may be received in evidence by the arbitrator.
The names and addresses of all witnesses and exhibits in order received shall be made a part of the record.
(c) The parties may offer such evidence as they desire and shall produce such additional evidence as the arbitrator may deem necessary to an understanding and determination of the dispute. The arbitrators shall be the judge of the admissibility of the evidence offered and conformity to legal rules of evidence shall not be necessary. All evidence shall be taken in the presence of all of the arbitrators and all of the parties, except where any of the parties is absent in default or has waived his or her right to be present.(d) The hearing shall be conducted by all of the arbitrators but a majority may determine any question and render a final award. If, during the course of the hearing, an arbitrator for any reason ceases to act, the remaining arbitrator or arbitrators appointed to act as neutrals may continue with the hearing and determination of the controversy.Laws, 1981, ch. 495, § 7, eff. 7/1/1981.