Rule 11 - Confidentiality(a) All information disclosed in the course of a mediation, including oral, documentary, or electronic information, shall be deemed confidential and shall not be divulged by anyone in attendance at the mediation except as permitted under this Rule or by statute. The term "information disclosed in the course of a mediation" shall include, but not be limited to: (1) views expressed or suggestions made by another party with respect to a possible settlement of the dispute; (2) admissions made by another party in the course of the mediation proceedings; (3) proposals made or views expressed by the mediator; (4) the fact that another party had or had not indicated a willingness to accept a proposal for settlement made by the mediator; and (5) all records, reports, or other documents received by a mediator while serving as mediator. (b) The following are exceptions to the general rule stated in Rule 11(a): (1) A mediator or a party to a mediation may disclose information otherwise prohibited from disclosure under this section when the mediator and the parties to the mediation all agree to the disclosure. (2) Information otherwise admissible or subject to discovery does not become inadmissible or protected from discovery solely by reason of its use in mediation. (3) The confidentiality provisions of this Rule shall not apply: (i) to a communication made during a mediation that constitutes a threat to cause physical injury or unlawful property damage; (ii) to a party or mediator who uses or attempts to use the mediation to plan or to commit a crime; or (iii) to the extent necessary if a party to the mediation files a claim or complaint against a mediator or mediation program alleging professional misconduct by the mediator arising from the mediation. (c) Except as provided in Rule 11(b) above, a court shall neither inquire into nor receive information about the positions of the parties taken in mediation proceedings; the facts elicited or presented in mediation proceedings; or the cause or responsibility for termination or failure of the mediation process. (d) A mediator shall not be compelled in any adversary proceeding or judicial forum, including, but not limited to, a hearing on sanctions brought by one party against another party, to divulge the contents of documents received, viewed, or drafted during mediation or the fact that such documents exist nor shall the mediator be otherwise compelled to testify in regard to statements made, actions taken, or positions stated by a party during the mediation. Ala. Civil Ct. Med. R. 11