Mediation

mediation: in the context of litigation and dispute resolution, a process by which the parties in dispute can discuss and reach a settlement (either in person or via mediation solicitors) before the dispute is tried by a judge in court; mediations usually take place on a without prejudice basis, meaning whatever is said by the parties in mediation cannot be used against them in court at a later stage, so if a dispute does not settle at mediation and proceeds to a trial, parties will be prevented from advancing their own case or discrediting their opponent’s case by referring to anything that took place at the mediation; the parties can mediate of their own accord, or the court can make an order for mediation.