Rule 1 Goals; Scope

COMMENTARY:

The main objective of the program is to provide an alternative to litigation to parties who have filed an appeal. This objective is met by providing parties with a neutral place and process for resolving pending cases in total or, alternatively, issues within the case. Through this process, parties and the mediator explore various solutions to the issues. Cases that settle will be dismissed.

Early resolution of cases on appeal benefits both the settling parties and the court. Settling parties benefit through a private resolution of their cases without the need for further time-consuming and often expensive litigation in the appellate courts. Reducing the courts’ case load allows the courts to resolve other cases more quickly and to decrease case processing time. The program also assists parties in simplifying, clarifying, and, when possible, reducing the issues raised on appeal. This promotes speedier resolution of those cases that remain before the court.

(As amended September 7, 2011, effective January 1, 2012.)