(a) The public interest requires that any action prescribed in this subchapter, other than a criminal action under § 5-68-405, be heard and disposed of with the maximum promptness and dispatch commensurate with constitutional requirements, including due process, freedom of the press, and freedom of speech.
(b) The rules of civil procedure pertaining to equity cases are applicable to the trial of an action prescribed in this subchapter, other than a criminal action under § 5-68-405.