Mediation News

A Consumer Guide to Selecting a Mediator

This guide was developed (by the Alaska State Judicial Council) under a grant (#SJI-94-03E-H-284) from the State Justice Institute. The points of view expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the State Justice Institute (or the Department of the Navy). The Judicial Council would like to express its appreciation to the many people who contributed to this project. Thanks to all who gave so freely of their expertise and time and exhibited such support and enthusiasm for the project. You also may wish to refer to a Directory of Mediators in Alaska published by the Alaska Court System.

To make an informed choice of a mediator the consumer must have information and the ability to evaluate that information. This guide begins the educational process by presenting a framework for understanding mediator competence. The information is based on research presented at the 1993 National Symposium on Court-Connected Dispute Resolution Research sponsored by the State Justice Institute and the National Center for State Courts, the ongoing work of the Test Design Project, the work of alternate dispute resolution policy makers, and the experience of mediators and mediation program directors nationwide. We anticipate that the guide will need to be updated as our knowledge grows.

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	Did You Know?
	Mediation is a process that involves a mediator Neutral third party who helps the disputing parties achieve a resolution that satisfies both of them. The mediator's primary function is to create constructive communication between parties and provide a forum where disputants can create a mutually satisfactory agreement. Mediators do not impose decisions; instead, they help people craft solutions that will work for them.