NCJ Number
85702
Journal
Court Review Volume: 20 Issue: 1 Dated: (Fall 1982) Pages: 8-11,16
Date Published
1982
Length
5 pages
Annotation
When properly administered, mediation programs simultaneously involve the community in rendering justice, provide access to all citizens in an efficient manner, and structure remedies that are unavailable in court.
Abstract
Mediation offers a radical departure from arbitration and the judicial process. Mediation's most notable feature is its dedication to the parties' self-resolution of their disagreement. The mediator encourages communication, assists in identifying areas of disagreement, and works to bring parties to a resolution defined by the parties themselves. Issues that must be addressed when developing a local mediation program include availability of services to the public, education of the public regarding the mediation concept, and areas of dispute that will be handled. One of the major civil areas suitable for mediation is that of landlord-tenant disputes. Neighborhood disputes are also particularly amenable to mediation, as are consumer-merchant disputes and domestic disputes. Mediation is also an available alternative in the criminal arena. By making the criminal answerable to the victim, future criminal acts may be deterred. The mediation approach would be useful with crimes such as vandalism, trespassing, and simple assault. The most tangible gain is the lesser cost of disposing of each case that is resolved through mediation. No references are cited.