XXIII § 15 Arguments by Special Counsel and Respondent Counsel.

This rule explains how arguments work during a judicial discipline hearing. The Special Counsel, who represents the Commission bringing the case against a judge, gets to speak first and speak last. This means they open the argument at the start and also get the final word at the end.

The judge who is being investigated, or that judge's lawyer, gets a chance to respond after the Special Counsel's opening argument. This gives the judge a fair opportunity to answer the claims made against them before the Special Counsel wraps up the case.

In simple terms, the Special Counsel has control over both the beginning and the end of the argument. The judge's side speaks in between, responding to what was said at the opening. This order lets both sides present their points, but the Special Counsel has the advantage of having the last word.