Mediation Terms and Definitions

Alternative (or Appropriate) Dispute Resolution (ADR) Used narrowly to refer to a set of alternatives to litigation including mediation, arbitration, and summary jury trials. Used broadly it refers to all methods which resolve conflicts between parties by a means other than an adversarial or judicial process. Facilitation A collaborative process involving the use of a neutral third party (facilitator) to design and oversee a group process. Facilitation is used to help a group reach a goal or complete a task to the mutual satisfaction of participants. Binding A legally enforceable decision or agreement resulting from a dispute resolution process. Co-mediation Mediation process in which there are two mediators who simultaneously or jointly conduct the process. Used in cases where mediators with different areas of expertise would be useful, when there are multiple parties involved, and/or to model cooperation and gender/ethnicity balance. Reconciliation Though not a formalized term, it describes steps taken to heal or improve relationships that have been damaged by a conflict. Assessment An impartial analysis of a conflict situation conducted with an eye towards determining potential paths by which parties may reach a resolution of their conflict. Caucus A private meeting or series of meetings that take place in concert with a dispute resolution process. Can include a meeting between the neutral third party and each of the interested parties separately. Policy Dialogue Informal discussion of public policy issues incorporating many different interested parties. This process usually clarifies key issues, and increases understanding between groups that are often publicly opposed to one another Dispute Resolution (DR) A studied approach or procedural framework that analyzes the means by which disputes are handled within an organization. Fact-finding Usually used in relation to negotiation, mediation, or arbitration of complex disputes. This is a process by which facts relevant to a dispute are determined. These can be ascertained by a neutral fact-finder, a joint fact-finding effort involving the cooperation of disputing parties, reliance upon the data of independent sources, or a mixture of these.

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	Did You Know?
	Mediation may not be the most appropriate avenue for resolution in all cases. For example, it may not be appropriate in cases where: A definitive or authoritative resolution of the matter is required; The matter involves or may bear upon significant questions of Government policy that require additional procedures before a final resolution may be made; Maintaining established policies that apply to many people is especially important; The matter significantly affects persons or groups who are not parties to the process; A full public record of the proceeding is important; or The agency must maintain continuing jurisdiction over the matter with authority to alter the disposition of the matter in light of changed circumstances.