Hearing Panel

Cases typically go before a hearing panel when a licensee subject to an investigation rejects a proposed settlement agreement. The Registrar or the Complaints Review Committee can also force a case to go directly to a hearing in extraneous circumstances.

Hearing panels are appointed by the Chair of the Discipline Committee and offer the opportunity for the licensee and the Commission, or their respective lawyers, to make their cases. The panel makes a final decision on the matter.

PARTIES TO THE DISCIPLINE HEARING

The parties to the discipline hearing are the Commission and the licensee. The Commission may be represented by a lawyer, who takes the role of prosecutor. The licensee can choose self-representation or legal representation, provided that five days' prior notice is given to the Commission.

The hearing panel may also retain counsel to advise it on legal matters and procedure, independent from the lawyer for the licensee or the prosecution.

The complainant is not a party to the proceedings, however, they may be called as a witness by either party.

HEARING PROCEDURES

For detailed information, read our on guide on the Discipline Committee Hearing Panel Procedures