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Washington Administrative Code (Last Updated: November 23, 2016) |
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Title 480. Utilities and Transportation Commission |
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Chapter 480-07. Procedural rules. |
Section 480-07-490. Hearing—Exhibits and documentary evidence.
Latest version.
- (1) Designation of part of document as evidence. A party who offers evidence that consists of a portion of a document must designate the portion that is offered. If irrelevant matter included in the document would unnecessarily encumber the record, the document will not be received in evidence, but the relevant or material matter may be read into the record, or the presiding officer may receive a copy of the excerpt as an exhibit. If only a portion is offered or received, other parties may examine the document and offer other portions into evidence.(2) Official records. An official document prepared and issued by any governmental authority may be introduced in the form of a certified copy. Official records contained in official publications or nationally recognized reporting service publications that are in general circulation and readily accessible to all parties may be introduced by reference, provided that the party offering the document clearly identifies the record and its source. The presiding officer may require the party offering such evidence to provide a copy for the record and to each party.(3) Commission's files. The presiding officer may receive documents on file with the commission by reference to number, date, or by any other method of identification satisfactory to the presiding officer. If only a portion of a document is offered in evidence, the part offered must be clearly designated. The presiding officer may require the party offering the evidence to provide a copy to the record and to each party.(4) Records in other proceedings. A portion of the record of any other commission proceeding that is otherwise admissible may be received as an exhibit in the form of a copy; by citation to the transcript or exhibit number; or by incorporation into the transcript of the current proceeding, as determined by the presiding officer.(5) Documents from the public. When a member of the public presents a document in conjunction with his or her testimony, the commission may receive the document as an illustrative exhibit. The commission may receive as illustrative exhibits any letters that have been received by the secretary of the commission and by public counsel from members of the public regarding a proceeding. Documents a public witness presents that are exceptional in their detail or probative value may be separately received into evidence as proof of the matters asserted after an opportunity for cross-examination.(6) Resolutions. The presiding officer may receive in evidence authenticated resolutions of the governing bodies of municipal corporations and of chambers of commerce, boards of trade, commercial, mercantile, agricultural, or manufacturing societies and other civic organizations. Any recital of facts contained in a resolution may not be considered as proof of those facts.(7) Objections. Any evidence offered is subject to appropriate and timely objection. The presiding officer need not specifically ask each representative whether that party objects to an offer of evidence or other motion or proposed action. Parties that have objections must state them. Failure to object constitutes a waiver of the right to object.