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Law vocabulary · Lawsuits & Procedure

Mediation

Meaning in law, with examples

/ˌmiːdiˈeɪʃn/nounCommon term

In law, mediation means: A process in which a neutral person, the mediator, helps the parties to a dispute talk and reach their own agreement; the mediator does not decide the case.

In Turkish: arabuluculuk

How it is used

A form of ADR. Parties 'go to' or 'attempt' mediation, and a successful one ends in a 'settlement agreement'. Courts often encourage it, and many contracts require mediation before litigation or arbitration can begin.

Example sentences

  1. The parties settled after a full day of mediation.

  2. The contract requires mediation before either side can start court proceedings.

Common collocations

  • go to mediation
  • mediation session
  • mandatory mediation
  • court-annexed mediation
  • attempt mediation
  • arbitrationA private way of resolving a dispute in which the parties agree to let one or more independent arbitrators decide it, usually with a final and binding result.
  • ADRShort for alternative dispute resolution: ways of solving legal disputes outside the courts, such as negotiation, mediation and arbitration.
  • settlementAn agreement that ends a legal dispute without a court decision, usually with one side paying an agreed amount to the other.
  • disputeA serious disagreement between people or organisations about their rights, money or obligations, which may end up in court or arbitration if it is not resolved.

This word in other fields

The same English word can have a different meaning in another field:

More terms: Lawsuits & Procedure

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not legal advice.