Part C – Guidelines for Procedural Aspects of Substantive Examination
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  6. Chapter VIII
  7. 4. Tasks of the other members of the examining division
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Chapter VIII – Work within the examining division

Overview

4. Tasks of the other members of the examining division 

When an application is referred to the other members of the division, they will first consider the case individually and each will indicate their opinion on the course of action to be taken. If there is complete agreement with the first member's recommendation, no further consultation will be necessary. Any further action needed will be entrusted to the first member. If, initially, there is not complete agreement with the first member, or at least one member of the division wishes to discuss the case further, further consultation will be arranged. In such discussions, the division should strive for unanimity, but where this seems unlikely, the difference of opinion must be resolved by voting. When the division is enlarged to four members (see C‑VIII, 7), the chair has a casting vote, where necessary.

The other members of the division should bear in mind that their function is not to completely re-examine the application. If, following a discussion, the first member's conclusions are generally considered to be reasonable, the other members should accept them.

Art. 18(2)

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