(1) Realistically explore settlement of the entire case or issues in the case;

(2) Limit and simplify issues on appeal; and

(3) Aid the speedy and just resolution of the appeal.

Every appeal filed in the Arizona Court of Appeals under these Rules is eligible for the program except criminal appeals; appeals involving habeas corpus petitions; appeals in which a party is incarcerated; appeals from juvenile court; appeals from the Arizona Department of Economic Security Appeals Board; direct appeals from the Corporation Commission; special actions; and any other appeal that the appellate court determines to be inappropriate for the program. The program is available at no additional court cost to the parties beyond the normal appellate filing fees.

(1) All proceedings in this program are confidential, are not discoverable, and are inadmissible in evidence in any judicial proceeding. A party to an appeal selected for the program likewise may not communicate to a third person any information that he or she discusses or learns of in the course of the program, except to the extent required by law or compelled by process.

(2) Appellate mediators, settlement conference attorneys and all other court employees involved in the program are absolutely immune from suit for all conduct in the course of their official duties.

(3) Any person who participates as an appellate mediator must not later participate in any way in the consideration or disposition of the appeal.

Program policies for each division must be published on the division's website, and be available at the office of the appellate clerk.