Mediation
A non-binding procedure in which a neutral third party (the mediator) attempts to resolve a conflict between two parties by facilitating their discussions and negotiations. The mediator has no power to decide the case for the parties. Rather, the parties themselves must agree on a resolution to the conflict. If an agreement cannot be reached, the parties may seek to resolve their dispute in other ways. Mediation is one of many “alternative dispute resolution” procedures, i.e. alternatives to filing a lawsuit, or if a suit has already been filed, they are alternatives to trial.
