Paragraph 1: General provisions

The court shall be composed, on pain of nullity, in accordance with the rules relating to judicial organisation. Challenges relating to its regularity must be presented, on pain of inadmissibility, as soon as the debates are opened or as soon as the irregularity is revealed if it occurs subsequently, failing which no subsequent nullity may be pronounced on this count, even of its own motion. The provisions of the preceding…

The public prosecutor is only required to attend the hearing in cases where he is the principal party, in cases where he represents another party or where his presence is made compulsory by law. In all other cases, he may make his opinion known to the court either by sending written submissions which are made available to the parties, or orally at the hearing.

The hearings shall take place on the day and, insofar as the conduct of the hearing permits, at the time previously fixed in accordance with the procedures specific to each court. They may be continued at a subsequent hearing. In the event of a change in the composition of the court after the opening of the hearing, the hearing must be resumed.

Discussions shall be public except where the law requires them to be held in chambers. What is provided for in this respect at first instance shall be observed on appeal, unless otherwise provided.

In non-contentious matters, the application is examined in the Council Chamber.

The judge may decide that the hearings will take place or will continue in chambers if their public nature would result in an invasion of privacy, or if all the parties so request, or if disturbances of such a nature as to disturb the serenity of justice arise.

In the Council Chamber, the procedure is carried out without the public being present.

If it appears or if it is claimed either that the debates should take place in chambers when they are taking place in open court, or the reverse, the president will rule immediately and the incident will be disregarded. If the hearing is continued in its regular form, no nullity based on its previous conduct may subsequently be pronounced, even of his own motion.

The president shall ensure the order of the hearing. Anything he orders to ensure this must be carried out immediately. Judges have the same powers in the places where they exercise the functions of their state.

People attending the hearing must observe a dignified attitude and maintain the respect due to justice. It is forbidden for them to speak without having been invited to do so, to give signs of approval or disapproval, or to cause disorder of any kind. The Chairman may have any person expelled who fails to comply with his injunctions, without prejudice to any criminal or disciplinary proceedings that may be brought…