NCJ Number
95753
Date Published
1982
Length
47 pages
Annotation
A concerted effort should occur to increase public awareness of the availability of the Court Mediation Service in Maine, so that disputants can consider mediation even if it is not suggested by an attorney.
Abstract
Mediation is useful in situations like domestic disputes, small claims cases, and other types of disputes. The total number of cases mediated rose from 655 in 1981 to 724 in 1982, although the time taken to mediate all types of cases dropped, probably due to the mediators' increasing expertise. Mediators need to be reminded of the importance of accurate time logs as a basis for evaluating the program's effectiveness. Lawyers should be encouraged to advise clients of limited financial means that they can represent themselves in a mediation conference and subsequently have the proposed settlement agreement reviewed by the attorney. Memoranda to judges, court clerks, and the general public; press coverage; and conference presentations should be continued and expanded as a way to promote mediation. An Ad Hoc Committee of the Maine Bar Association has proposed a statute which would establish legal authority for the use of mediation. Seven tables present statistics on mediation caseload summary, district court mediation, mediation expenditures, etc. Thirteen appendixes present forms, an explanation of the court mediation service and the code of conduct for mediators, and related materials.