Rule 7.0 0. Purpose

This rule sets out the basic standards of conduct that neutrals must follow. A neutral is the person who runs an alternative dispute resolution process, like mediation, when a court sends a case through ADR under Rule 1.1. These standards exist to make sure neutrals act fairly and appropriately while helping people resolve their disputes.

In simple terms, this rule is the starting point for all the other conduct rules that apply to neutrals. It explains why those rules exist: to hold neutrals to a clear standard of behavior when they help settle court cases outside of a regular trial.