Section I: The proceedings.

Only the parties initiate the proceedings, except where the law provides otherwise. They are free to terminate it before it is extinguished by the effect of the judgment or by virtue of the law.

The parties conduct the proceedings under the charges incumbent upon them. It is their responsibility to perform the procedural acts in the required form and time.

The judge ensures that the proceedings run smoothly; he has the power to set time limits and order the necessary measures.