Paragraph 2: Provisions specific to oral proceedings

At the hearing, the parties present their claims and supporting arguments orally. They may also refer to any claims and pleas they may have formulated in writing. The parties’ observations are noted in the case file or recorded in minutes. Where a specific provision so provides, the parties may be authorised to formulate their claims and pleas in writing without appearing at the hearing. The judgment rendered under these conditions…

When the proceedings are adjourned to a later hearing, the judge may organise the exchanges between the parties appearing. After having heard their opinions, the judge may thus set the time limits and, if they agree, the conditions for communicating their claims, pleas and exhibits. When all the parties appearing formulate their claims and pleas in writing and are assisted or represented by a lawyer, the pleadings must expressly state…

The judge may, at any time, invite the parties to provide the explanations of fact and law that he deems necessary for the resolution of the dispute and give them formal notice to produce, within a period that he shall determine, all the documents or justifications likely to enlighten him, failing which he may disregard the request and rule by drawing all the consequences from the party’s failure to act…

The date on which a party’s claims and arguments are duly submitted in writing is the date on which they are communicated between the parties.