Chapter V: Evidence

Rule 36: Evidence: General Principles

(1) The Tribunal shall determine the admissibility and probative value of the evidence adduced.

(2) Each party has the burden of proving the facts relied on to support its claim or defense.

(3) The Tribunal may call upon a party to produce documents or other evidence if it deems it necessary at any stage of the proceeding.

Rule 37: Disputes Arising from Requests for Production of Documents

In deciding a dispute arising out of a party’s objection to the other party’s request for production of documents, the Tribunal shall consider all relevant circumstances, including:

(a) the scope and timeliness of the request;

(b) the relevance and materiality of the documents requested;

(c) the burden of production; and

(d) the basis of the objection.

Rule 38: Witnesses and Experts

(1) A party intending to rely on evidence given by a witness shall file a written statement by that witness. The statement shall identify the witness, contain the evidence of the witness, and be signed and dated.

(2) A witness who has filed a written statement may be called for examination at a hearing.

(3) The Tribunal shall determine the manner in which the examination is conducted.

(4) A witness shall be examined before the Tribunal, by the parties, and under the control of the President. Any member of the Tribunal may put questions to the witness.

(5) A witness shall be examined in person unless the Tribunal determines that another means of examination is appropriate in the circumstances.

(6) Each witness shall make the following declaration before giving evidence:

“I solemnly declare upon my honor and conscience that I shall speak the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.”

(7) Paragraphs (1)-(5) shall apply, with necessary modifications, to evidence given by an expert.

(8) Each expert shall make the following declaration before giving evidence:

“I solemnly declare upon my honor and conscience that my statement will be in accordance with my sincere belief.”

Rule 39: Tribunal-Appointed Experts

(1) Unless the parties agree otherwise, the Tribunal may appoint one or more independent experts to report to it on specific matters within the scope of the dispute.

(2) The Tribunal shall consult with the parties on the appointment of an expert, including on the terms of reference and fees of the expert.

(3) Upon accepting an appointment by the Tribunal, an expert shall provide a signed declaration in the form published by the Centre.

(4) The parties shall provide the Tribunal-appointed expert with any information, document or other evidence that the expert may require. The Tribunal shall decide any dispute regarding the evidence required by the Tribunal-appointed expert.

(5) The parties shall have the right to make submissions on the report of the Tribunal-appointed expert.

(6) Rule 38 shall apply, with necessary modifications, to the Tribunal-appointed expert.

Rule 40: Visits and Inquiries

(1) The Tribunal may order a visit to any place connected with the dispute, on its own initiative or upon a party’s request, if it deems the visit necessary, and may conduct inquiries there as appropriate.

(2) The order shall define the scope of the visit and the subject of any inquiry, the procedure to be followed, the applicable time limits and other relevant terms.

(3) The parties shall have the right to participate in any visit or inquiry.