2024 California Rules of Court
Rule 3.852. Definitions
As used in this article, unless the context or subject matter requires otherwise:
(1) "Mediation" means a process in which a neutral person or persons facilitate communication between the disputants to assist them in reaching a mutually acceptable agreement.
(2) "Mediator" means a neutral person who conducts a mediation.
(3) "Participant" means any individual, entity, or group, other than the mediator taking part in a mediation, including but not limited to attorneys for the parties.
(4) "Party" means any individual, entity, or group taking part in a mediation that is a plaintiff, a defendant, a cross-complainant, a cross-defendant, a petitioner, a respondent, or an intervenor in the case.
Rule 3.852 amended and renumbered effective January 1, 2007; adopted as rule 1620.2 effective January 1, 2003.
Advisory Committee Comment
The definition of "mediator" in this rule departs from the definition in Evidence Code section 1115(b) in that it does not include persons designated by the mediator to assist in the mediation or to communicate with a participant in preparation for the mediation. However, these definitions are applicable only to these rules of conduct and do not limit or expand mediation confidentiality under the Evidence Code or other law.
The definition of "participant" includes insurance adjusters, experts, and consultants as well as the parties and their attorneys.