Ala. R. App. Med. 8

As amended through October 30, 2024

Rule 8 - Confidentiality

Except as otherwise required by law, the appellate mediation program operates under the rules of confidentiality as provided below.

All information disclosed in the course of screening for mediation, referral to mediation, and mediation, including oral, documentary, or electronic information, shall be deemed confidential and shall not be divulged by anyone involved in the mediation program or in attendance at the mediation except as permitted under this Rule, by statute, or by the Alabama Rules of Appellate Procedure.

There shall be no reference, whatsoever, in any appellate motions, briefs, or argument to the appellate mediation program or to the fact that the appeal was mediated or that mediation reached an impasse, except in those cases where mediation was partially successful and disclosure is necessary for a complete statement of the case. It is the responsibility of the counsel to bring this exception to the rules to the attention of the clerk's office or the mediation office. Failure to do so may result in a waiver of this exception.

The mediator and mediation program employees shall not be compelled in any adversary proceeding or judicial forum to divulge the contents of any documents revealed during mediation or the fact that such documents exist or to testify in regard to the mediation. The mediator's notes and the parties' Mediation Statements do not become part of the court's file.

The phrase, "information disclosed in the course of screening for mediation, referral to mediation, and mediation," as used in this Rule, 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.

Except as otherwise required by law, the appellate mediation program operates under the rules of confidentiality as provided below.

The confidentiality rule applies in all mediated cases conducted by an appellate mediator. The court strictly enforces this Rule.

Ala. R. App. Med. 8

Former Rule 7 adopted effective 1/1/2004; renumbered as Rule 8 and amended 1/6/2004; amended 10/31/2005.