(a) Consideration of Alternative Dispute Resolution. Litigants in all civil
cases must consider the use of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) at an appropriate
stage in the litigation. As early as the scheduling conference held under Rule 16(b) of the
Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, or at any time requested by the parties, the court may
offer or parties may request to refer the action to a magistrate judge for the purpose of
holding a timely settlement conference (mediation), minitrial, summary jury trial, early
neutral evaluation, or other form of ADR. The court may require the parties to
participate only in mediation or early neutral evaluation.
(b) Confidentiality. All participants in a settlement conference or other form
of neutral evaluation referred to and presided over by a magistrate judge must maintain
the confidentiality of the proceedings, unless ordered otherwise by the presiding judge or
magistrate judge. This confidentiality shall not apply to orders setting and regulating the
ADR process.
(c) Disqualification. The provisions of 28 U.S.C. § 455 apply to any
magistrate judge to whom an action has been referred for ADR.
(d) No Delay in Case Processing. No party may offer ADR as a reason to
delay the processing of the case as established in the Rule 16 scheduling order.
F.R.Civ.P. 84. Forms
(NO LOCAL RULE)
F.R.Civ.P. 85. Title
(NO LOCAL RULE)
F.R.Civ.P. 86. Effective Dates
(NO LOCAL RULE)
