SECTION 144

(1) An objection may be made concerning an assessor of the court : • (a) If he has a personal interest in the matter in dispute ; • (b) If he is related by blood or marriage up to the sixth degree, to one of the parties ; • (c) If there have been penal or civil proceedings between the assessor and one of the parties or the spouse or relative by marriage in the direct line of the parties ; • (d) If the assessor has expressed an opinion in writing or orally on the matter in dispute ; • (e) If the assessor is the employer or employee of one of the parties to the case. (2) The objection shall be made before any oral proceedings commence. The president shall give a ruling immediately. If the objection is overruled, the oral proceedings shall begin ; if the objection is upheld, the case shall be adjourned to the next hearing.