This summary is not the rule. The rule text controls.
Mediation is more relaxed than a courtroom when it comes to evidence. The normal rules that control what evidence can be used in a trial do not apply here. This means people can share information more freely and informally without worrying about strict legal rules of admissibility.
There is one big exception: privileged communications still stay protected. This means private conversations that the law normally shields, like those between a lawyer and client, stay confidential and off limits even in mediation.
The rule also gives some practical advice. If someone is talking about damages, meaning money they say they are owed or lost, they should back this up with real documents whenever they can. This might include receipts, bills, pay stubs, or other paperwork that shows the actual cost or loss. This helps make discussions in mediation more accurate and grounded in real numbers, even though the setting is less formal than a courtroom.
