Purpose and function

(a) Standards of conduct The rules in this article establish the minimum standards of conduct for mediators in court-connected mediation programs for general civil cases. These rules are intended to guide the conduct of mediators in these programs, to inform and protect participants in these mediation programs, and to promote public confidence in the mediation process and the courts. For mediation to be effective, there must be broad public confidence in the integrity and fairness of the process. Mediators in court-connected programs are responsible to the parties, the public, and the courts for conducting themselves in a manner that merits that confidence. (Subd (a) amended effective January 1, 2007.) (b) Scope and limitations These rules are not intended to: (1) Establish a ceiling on what is considered good practice in mediation or discourage efforts by courts, mediators, or others to educate mediators about best practices; (2) Create a basis for challenging a settlement agreement reached in connection with mediation; or (3) Create a basis for a civil cause of action against a mediator. (Subd (b) amended effective January 1, 2007.) Rule 3.850 amended and renumbered effective January 1, 2007; adopted as rule 1620 effective January 1, 2003.