Ethical Guidelines for Professional Mediators

Disputes are an inevitable part of life. There are disputes related to business and corporate law, family law and neighbor boundaries, just to name a few. Conflicts can be stressful, but resolving them in court can be expensive and time-consuming.

Mediation is an alternative form of dispute resolution. Professional mediators act as neutral third parties to facilitate open discussion and guide both parties to a mutually agreeable solution. If you aspire to become a professional mediator, you will need to become familiar with the codes of professional conduct established by occupational organization.

Competence

Competence is the one of the most significant qualities of a mediator. Mediation requires skill and tact that comes from legal training. Commitment to competence guides mediators through cases that can be demanding and complicated.

Confidentiality

Professional mediators hold the details of each case in the strictest confidence. They must not divulge information about the parties or any details of the dispute to anybody not involved. This means that mediators must refrain from discussing cases with anybody, including loved ones. An exception is if the mediator is compelled to release information by law or by a governmental agency that has appropriate jurisdiction and authority.

Procedural Fairness

At the beginning of each mediation, the mediator must ensure that each those involved understand the mediation process and all applicable rules. Mediators must make sure that procedural time is balanced. In other words, all involved individuals must have opportunities to be heard in a timely manner. All parties must also have the opportunity to seek legal counsel before agreeing upon a resolution.

Impartiality

By definition, mediators are neutral third parties. However, it is common for mediators to experience feelings of favoritism or distrust for other individuals. Mediators must never let their opinions surface during a session, and they must never allow their feelings to influence the proceedings.

If you have an interest in mediation, consider pursuing the Master of Science in Criminal Justice with an Emphasis in Legal Studies degree program. This program offered by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences follows a rigorous curriculum that covers topics such as legal communication, public policy and strategies for legal consulting. Click on the Request more Information at the top of this page or visit our website to learn more.

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