What is the primary purpose of mediation in a dispute?

The primary purpose of mediation in a dispute is to assist parties in reaching a mutually acceptable settlement. Mediation is a voluntary and confidential process in which a neutral third-party mediator facilitates communication between the disputing parties to help them understand each other’s perspectives and work toward a resolution that satisfies both sides. This approach promotes collaboration and compromise rather than adversarial combat, allowing the individuals involved to take an active part in the resolution of their own issues.

In contrast, involving law enforcement in a conflict could escalate the situation rather than resolve it, while enforcing legal consequences would typically be the role of a judge or legal authority rather than a mediator. Additionally, the idea of eliminating all forms of conflict is unrealistic; the goal of mediation is to resolve a specific dispute rather than eradicate conflict entirely. Through mediation, parties can build better communication skills and relationships, which may help in preventing future disputes.