Any evidence which would be admissible under the general statutes of the State of Arkansas, or under the rules of evidence governing proceedings in matters not involving trial by jury in the courts of the State, shall be admissible in hearings before the Commission. The formal rules of evidence shall be applied to any proceeding to the end that needful and proper evidence shall be conveniently, inexpensively and speedily produced.

The Commission may, at its own discretion, deviate from the formal rule of evidence whenever it deems necessary to ascertain all pertinent facts in any proceeding.