NCJ Number
85781
Date Published
1982
Length
14 pages
Annotation
Community justice centers in New South Wales (Australia) appear to be achieving their primary objective: the establishment of a noncoercive lay mediation service for the resolution of disputes between parties in ongoing relationships as an alternative to using the courts.
Abstract
The proposal for community justice centers in New South Wales grew from the realization that the conventional justice system is not equipped to provide a lasting resolution of disputes between people in continuing relationships. Whereas the courts limit their judgments to the single issues before them, the mediation structure of the centers permits consideration of all aspects and ramifications of an interpersonal conflict. Each of the three pilot centers has a director, a coordinator, and a typist/receptionist. Mediation services are provided by lay mediators who have successfully completed a training course. The mediation sessions are conducted with as little formality and technicality as possible, and the rules of evidence do not apply. The general public is excluded from the sessions. Participation in the mediation sessions is voluntary, and a party may withdraw from a mediation session at any time. The largest proportion of disputes handled by the three centers has been disputes between neighbors over some specific problem. The centers appear to be achieving their primary objective of serving as an alternative to the courts, and in addition have resolved some disputes that may never have gone to court. In their first year, the centers have achieved a high degree of visibility and credibility among citizens as well as social and legal agencies. Tabular data relevant to the operations of the centers are provided.