PART IV: CONTENTIOUS PROCEDURE CHAPTER I: GENERAL PROVISIONS Rule 27 Phases of Proceedings 1. The procedure before the Court shall consist of written, and if necessary, oral proceedings. 2. The written procedure shall consist of the communication to the Court, the parties, as well as the Commission, as appropriate, of applications, statements of the case, defences and observations and of replies if any, as well as all papers and documents in support, or of certified copies thereof. 3. The oral proceedings shall consist of a hearing by the Court of representatives of parties, witnesses, experts, or such other persons as the Court may decide to hear. Rule 28 Representation Every party to a case shall be entitled to be represented or to be assisted by legal counsel and/or by any other person of the party’s choice. Rule 29 Relations between the Court and the Commission 1. a. In pursuance of Article 2 of the Protocol, the Court shall meet with the Commission at least once a year and whenever necessary to ensure a good working relationship between the two institutions. 19