NCJ Number
107784
Date Published
1985
Length
134 pages
Annotation
Florida should pass legislation establishing comprehensive, court-annexed mediation and arbitration services, consolidated under court dispute resolution centers in each judicial circuit.
Abstract
The centers should operate under the supervision of the chief judge and should include mandatory mediation; voluntary, binding arbitration of cases not resolved through mediation or submitted by agreement of the parties; mediation of civil disputes upon agreement of the parties; and mediation of minor criminal and other complaints as currently handled by citizen dispute settlement programs. Each circuit should prescribe local rules of procedure consistent with rules established by the State's supreme court. Other needs are minimum qualification and training standards for mediators and arbitrators, State funding, a juvenile alternatives program in each circuit, and a continuing commission on alternative dispute resolution. Additional recommendations, appended legislation and analyses of existing programs, and related materials.