Section 1455.480  Administrative Law Judges

In any contested case, the Secretary shall employ an attorney, licensed to practice law in Illinois, to serve as an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).  The ALJ has the authority to conduct a hearing, take all necessary action to avoid delay, maintain order, and insure the development of a clear and complete record.  The ALJ shall have all powers necessary to conduct a hearing, including the power to:

a)         Administer oaths and affirmations;

b)         Regulate the course of hearings, set the time and place for continued hearings, fix time for filing of documents, provide for the taking of testimony by deposition if necessary, and generally conduct the proceeding according to generally recognized administrative law;

c)         Examine witnesses and direct witnesses to testify, limit the number of times any witness may testify, limit repetitious or cumulative testimony, and set reasonable limits on the amount of time each witness may testify;

d)         Rule upon offers of proof and receive relevant evidence;

e)         Direct parties to appear and confer for the settlement or simplification of issues, and otherwise conduct prehearing conferences;

f)          Dispose of procedural requests or similar matters;

g)         Continue the hearing from time to time when necessary;

h)         Prepare for the Real Estate Appraisal Board written Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and Recommended Action for submission to the Secretary.

(Source:  Amended at 29 Ill. Reg. 16445, effective October 13, 2005)