Conduct of hearings in contested cases

# (a)

Hearings in contested cases shall be presided over by the Secretary.

# (b)

The Secretary shall have the duty to conduct fair and impartial hearings, to make no public comments as to the merits of a complaint prior to its disposition, to take all proper actions to avoid delay in the disposition of proceedings and to maintain order. The Secretary shall have all powers necessary to that end.

Office of Policy and Management § 12-2b-18

# (c)

Each party at a hearing shall have the right to present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, enter motions and objections, and assert all rights essential to a fair hearing. The rules of evidence shall be as prescribed in Section 4-178 of the General Statutes. The allegations of the complaint must be proved by reliable, probative and substantial evidence in order to sustain a decision adverse to the company or the employee.