Right of party to attend mediation hearing; personal appearance to demonstrate unusual conditions; testimony prohibited; rules of evidence inapplicable; factual information; limitation on oral presentation; requests and inquiries by panel; admissibility of statements, briefs, or summaries.
MCL 600.4961
in effect600.4961. Right of party to attend mediation hearing; personal appearance to demonstrate unusual conditions; testimony prohibited; rules of evidence inapplicable; factual information; limitation on oral presentation; requests and inquiries by panel; admissibility of statements, briefs, or summaries.
Sec. 4961.
(1) A party has the right, but is not required, to attend a mediation hearing. If scars, disfigurement, or other unusual conditions exist, they may be demonstrated to the mediation panel by a personal appearance; however, testimony shall not be taken or permitted of any party.
(2) The Michigan rules of evidence do not apply before the mediation panel. Factual information having a bearing on damages or liability shall be supported by documentary evidence, if possible.
(3) Oral presentation shall be limited to 15 minutes per side unless multiple parties or unusual circumstances warrant additional time. The mediation panel may request information on applicable insurance policy limits and may inquire about settlement negotiations, unless a party objects.
(4) Statements by the attorneys with regard to mediation under this chapter and the briefs or summaries presented are not admissible in any court or evidentiary proceeding.
Add. 1986, Act 178, Eff. Oct. 1, 1986
[Compiler] Section 3 of Act 178 of 1986 provides:
[Compiler] “(1) Sections 2925b, 5805, 5838, and 5851 of Act No. 236 of the Public Acts of 1961, as amended by this amendatory act, shall not apply to causes of action arising before October 1, 1986.
[Compiler] “(2) Sections 1483, 5838a, and 6304 of Act No. 236 of the Public Acts of 1961, as added by this amendatory act, shall apply to causes of action arising on or after October 1, 1986.
[Compiler] “(3) Sections 1629, 1653, 2169, 2591, 2912c, 2912d, 2912e, 6098, 6301, 6303, 6305, 6306, 6307, 6309, and 6311 of Act No. 236 of the Public Acts of 1961, as added by this amendatory act, shall apply to cases filed on or after October 1, 1986.
[Compiler] “(4) Sections 1651 and 6013 of Act No. 236 of the Public Acts of 1961, as amended by this amendatory act, shall not apply to cases filed before October 1, 1986.
[Compiler] “(5) Chapter 49 of Act No. 236 of the Public Acts of 1961, as added by this amendatory act, shall apply to cases filed on or after January 1, 1987.
[Compiler] “(6) Chapter 49a of Act No. 236 of the Public Acts of 1961, as added by this amendatory act, shall apply to cases filed in judicial circuits which are comprised of more than 1 county on or after July 1, 1990 and shall apply to cases filed in judicial circuits which are comprised of 1 county on or after October 1, 1988.”
Source: Michigan Legislature (legislature.mi.gov)URL: https://legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-600-4961Fetched: 10/20/2026