V. ORAL ARGUMENT

Court normally convenes at 9:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to hear oral arguments. Oral argument is optional. Cases may be submitted on the briefs without oral argument. If counsel or a pro se appellant are not present when court convenes, the case may be submitted on the briefs. A respondent who fails to file a brief will not be permitted to participate in oral argument. Special Rule 1.

In cases that are set on the oral argument docket, the appellant is allowed a maximum of twenty (20) minutes for argument and may reserve up to five (5) minutes for rebuttal. Respondent is allowed a maximum of fifteen (15) minutes. Special Rule 1.

If there are multiple parties on a side they shall divide the allotted time. In cross-appeals, the plaintiff in the trial court shall be entitled to open and close the argument, unless the Court directs otherwise.