Report on Dispute Mediation Workshop, November 17-18, 1983, Lethbridge, Alberta

• NCJ Number: 99758
• Author(s): L Ray
• Date Published: 1983
• Length: 44 pages
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Program/Project Evaluation
• Language: English
• Country: Canada
• Note: Workshop sponsored by the Division of Continuing Education, The University of Lethbridge in Cooperation with the Department of Sociology and the Lethbridge John Howard Society.

Annotation

This report summarizes the presentations and discussions at a dispute mediation workshop at Lethbridge University, Alberta, Canada.

Abstract

The opening address discussed the growth of alternative forms of dispute settlement in the United States as a result of court overloads, the need for forums for minor disputes, and its success in enhancing individual, family, and community responsibility. This was followed by a panel discussion by representatives of six Canadian dispute mediation programs detailing program goals, development and implementation processes, mediation procedures, and client populations. A mediation demonstration and roleplay then was succeeded by a discussion of the record and potential of dispute mediation as a means of addressing a variety of problems and reinforcing an internal sense of justice. Proceedings on the second day included discussion groups about the use of mediation in domestic, victim-offender, small claims, and neighborhood and community disputes. Additional discussion groups focused on the process for setting up Native-based, community-based, divorce, and custody mediation programs. A minitraining workshop also was offered. Concluding remarks provided an evaluation of the workshop's strengths and weaknesses. Appendixes include listings of resource persons, committee members and participants, and media coverage of the workshop.