Rules of Evidence

The hearing committee shall make the participants aware that the rules relating to the admissibility of evidence for the hearing will be similar to, but less stringent than, those which apply to civil trials in the courts of Alabama. Generally speaking, irrelevant or immaterial evidence and privileged information (such as personal medical information or attorney-client communications) shall be excluded. However, hearsay evidence and unauthenticated documentary evidence may be admitted if the hearing chairperson determines that the evidence offered is of the type and nature commonly relied upon or taken into consideration by a responsible prudent person in conducting his/her affairs.

In the event of an objection by any party to any testimony or other evidence offered at the hearing, the hearing committee chairperson shall have the authority to rule on the admissibility of the evidence, and this ruling shall be final and binding on the parties.