Which legal principle involves a neutral party helping to resolve a conflict?

Mediation is the legal principle that involves a neutral party facilitating a resolution between conflicting parties. In this process, the mediator does not make decisions for the parties or impose solutions but rather assists them in communicating and exploring options to resolve their dispute amicably. The mediator’s role is to create an environment conducive to dialogue, helping each party understand the other’s perspective while remaining neutral throughout the interaction.

Mediation is commonly used because it often leads to a faster, less expensive, and more amicable resolution than other methods. This technique emphasizes collaboration and compromise, allowing the parties to retain control over the outcome, which differs significantly from other approaches.

In contrast, arbitration and litigation involve more formal processes where a third party renders a binding decision, while negotiation typically refers to direct discussions between the parties themselves, without the aid of a neutral mediator. These alternatives may not prioritize the same collaborative spirit inherent in mediation, which seeks to resolve disputes in a cooperative manner.