NCJ Number
83209
Date Published
1980
Length
79 pages
Annotation
Findings are presented from a comprehensive assessment of the citizen dispute settlement (CDS) process in Florida.
Abstract
The CDS process involves the use of mediation techniques to resolve disputes arising from minor criminal actions involving persons who interact with one another regularly. The study of CDS programs in Florida consisted of three major data collection efforts. One procedure involved the examination of 2,448 CDS case files from five programs throughout the State. The second procedure consisted of a questionnaire mailed to all complainants (1,184) and respondents (1,184) in the sample. The final phase of the research analyzed the personnel costs of processing cases in one program. Objectives of the study were to (1) describe the CDS process and its participants, (2) assess the overall performance of the CDS process, (3) assess the effect of certain variables on the performance of the process, (4) assess the costs of the process, and (5) assess the potential impact of CDS on existing dispute resolution mechanisms. Overall, the findings show that the CDS process is a viable alternative resolution mechanism for certain types of disputes; however, it is not the answer to all minor problems, nor is it the sole answer to reducing the overburdened courts' caseload. Some specific findings were that (1) the average time from complaint to disposition was 11 days; (2) one-fourth of all complaints ultimately resulted in complete resolution of the dispute; (3) disputants had positive views of the competence and effectiveness of the mediators; and (4) personal and neighborhood disputes were more likely to be dealt with successfully over the short-term, but the likelihood of long-term resolution on was low compared to other types of disputes. Tabular data and a glossary are provided.