PART IV CONTENTIOUS PROCEDURE CHAPTER I: GENERAL PROVISIONS Rule 30 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 a communication to the Court, and the parties’ pleadings, as well as any supporting documents. 3. The oral proceedings shall consist of a hearing of the parties, their representatives, witnesses, experts or such other persons as the Court may decide to hear. Rule 31 Representation and Legal Assistance 1. Every party to a case shall be entitled to be represented or to be assisted by counsel and/or by any other person of the party’s choice. 2. Pursuant to Article 10 (2) of the Protocol, the Court may, upon request or suo motu, decide to provide, in the interest of justice and within the limits of the financial resources available, free legal assistance to any party at any stage of the proceedings. 3. The Court shall maintain a Legal Aid scheme for the purpose of implementing this Rule. 4. The Court shall collaborate with the AU Commission in the management of the African Union Legal Aid Fund for African Union Human Rights Organs. 23 | P a g e