WHAT IS MEDIATION?
Legal Disputes are often said to really be human problems reflecting themselves in the form of differences in legal interpretations and processes. That is why the concept of Mediation, which allows parties to express their personal feelings and perspectives on a legal dispute, can be so effective and successful in resolving legal differences. Guiding the parties through the process of Mediation, can help them to return to focus the real substance of their dispute.
Perhaps the following quote best describes the underpinning of the mediation process:
"Advocacy chooses to stand by one side for justice's sake. Mediation chooses to stand in connection to all sides for justice's sake." JP Lederach (1995:14)
Mediation as an alternative to settle a dispute has become commonplace to many personal and business transaction activities, and legislation which governs such activities. It is also now an integral, and often mandatory component of most litigation procedures.