Who has the right to appear in a formal hearing?

The correct choice identifies that all parties involved in a formal hearing have the right to appear, either in person or represented by legal counsel. This ensures that everyone who has a stake in the proceedings is allowed to effectively participate in their own defense or position. The inclusion of all parties promotes fairness and transparency in the hearing process, allowing for a complete presentation of the facts and arguments pertinent to the case.

In the context of formal hearings, the presence of various parties—such as the complainant, respondents, and their respective legal representatives—ensures that all viewpoints are represented, and this is essential for achieving a just outcome. Moreover, allowing participation by counsel supports the right to legal representation, thereby reinforcing the rights of individuals involved in administrative or legal proceedings.

The other choices do not provide a complete or accurate picture of who may participate in a formal hearing. Limiting participation to just the complainant or only legal representatives would curtail the rights of involved parties to defend their interests, while stating that any interested party can appear is too broad and potentially not aligned with the specific directives that govern formal hearings.