175.3. Where a defence in writing is prescribed by law, the parties may by agreement opt for an oral defence or the court may authorize or order an oral defence if the court considers that this will not cause prejudice to the parties.
Where an oral defence is prescribed by law, the parties may by agreement opt for a defence in writing; in the absence of such an agreement, the court may authorize or order a defence in writing on such conditions as it determines if, in the opinion of the court, the absence of a writing may cause prejudice to a party.