VIRGIN ISLANDS RULES OF APPELLATE PROCEDURE Rule 7. Appellate Mediation and Conciliation

• Jurisdiction: United States

Rule 7. Appellate Mediation and Conciliation

(a) How Initiated. Civil appeals to the Supreme Court may be referred to a mediator to meet with counsel and the parties to facilitate settlement of the case, simplify issues, or otherwise assist in the expeditious handling of an appeal.

(b) Attendance at Sessions. Mediation sessions must be attended by each party, or another person with actual authority to settle the case, and their counsel. Failure of counsel to attend sessions may result in the imposition of sanctions, including dismissal of the appeal. Counsel is not required for parties appearing pro se.

(c) Clerk as Administrator; Case Selection. The Clerk of the Supreme Court shall serve as the program administrator of the Appellate Mediation Program. A party may request mediation, but the Chief Justice will determine which cases are appropriate for mediation. Case selection will usually take place approximately 30 days after a case has been docketed for appeal. Counsel of record will receive notice of case selection and of the mediator assigned. An initial mediation session will be scheduled by the...