Iowa Ct. R. 11.2

11.2(1) A mediator shall conduct a mediation based on the principle of party self-determination.

Self-determination is the act of coming to a voluntary, uncoerced decision in which each party makes

free and informed choices as to process and outcome. Parties may exercise self-determination at any

stage of mediation, including mediator selection, process design, participation in or withdrawal from

the process, and outcomes.

a. Although party self-determination for process design is a fundamental principle of mediation

practice, a mediator may need to balance such party self-determination with a mediator’s duty to

conduct a quality process in accordance with these standards.

b. A mediator cannot personally ensure that each party has made free and informed choices to

reach particular decisions, but where appropriate, a mediator should make the parties aware of the

importance of consulting other professionals to help the parties make informed choices.

11.2(2) A mediator shall not undermine any party’s self-determination for reasons such as

higher settlement rates, egos, increased fees, or outside pressures from court personnel, program

administrators, provider organizations, the media, or others.