4.1.5 Strengths and Weaknesses of Dispute Resolution Methods

Question 1

Mediation and Conciliation Strength 1:

Answer 1

Cheaper

Question 2

Cheaper:

Answer 2

Mediation is normally conducted before court proceedings have commenced, therefore parties will have spent less money than if the matter went to trial.

Question 3

Mediation and Conciliation Strength 2:

Answer 3

Third Party

Question 4

Third Party:

Answer 4

A mediator has alot more flexibility than a judge or magistrate. The third party is able to talk to the parties freely about the case, often putting the parties at ease.

Question 5

Mediation and Conciliation Weakness 1:

Answer 5

Intimidation

Question 6

Intimidation:

Answer 6

One party may be intimidated with the process and be forced into an outcome that he or she may not be happy with.

Question 7

Mediation and Conciliation Weakness 2:

Answer 7

Not suitable for some matters.

Question 8

Not suitable for some matters:

Answer 8

Mediation is not suitable for some matters. This is particularly so for long running disputes and for disputes where there is significant animosity between the parties.

Question 9

Arbitration Strength 1:

Answer 9

Legally Binding

Question 10

Legally Binding:

Answer 10

The arbitrator has the power to make an order that is legally binding on the parties. Decisions reached by the arbitrator are final and enforceable through the courts.

Question 11

Arbitration Strength 2:

Answer 11

More informal and faster

Question 12

More informal and faster:

Answer 12

Arbitration is usually faster and more informal than judicial determination as there are no strict rules of evidence and procedure.

Question 13

Arbitration Weakness 1:

Answer 13

Win/Lose scenario

Question 14

Win/Lose scenario:

Answer 14

An arbitrated decision is a decision in favour of one party. In this scenario one party wins and the other party loses. One party will feel less satisfied with the outcome of arbitration.

Question 15

Arbitration Weakness 2:

Answer 15

Appeals are limited

Question 16

Appeals are limited:

Answer 16

Arbitration decisions are legally binding and enforceable, but the right of appeal from such decisions is very limited and successful appeals are uncommon.

Question 17

Judicial Determination Strength 1:

Answer 17

Greater formality

Question 18

Greater formality:

Answer 18

Parties may be more comfortable with the greater formality of judicial determination, particularly for serious cases. Strict rules of evidence and procedure ensure that both parties have an equal chance to present their case.

Question 19

Judicial Determination Strength 2:

Answer 19

Allows for appeals

Question 20

Allows for appeals:

Answer 20

Judicial determination allows for appeals. If a party is dissatisfied with the outcome of their case it can be reviewed by a higher court, provided they can establish grounds for an appeal. In this way incorrect or inappropriate decisions can be reversed.

Question 21

Judicial Determination Weakness 1:

Answer 21

Expensive

Question 22

Expensive:

Answer 22

Judicial determination is often expensive. Court fees and the need for legal representation increases the cost of resolving disputes using judicial determination. Legal representation is usually necessary due to the complexity of the law and court procedures.

Question 23

Judicial Determination Weakness 2:

Answer 23

Time consuming

Question 24

Time consuming:

Answer 24

Judicial determination is often time-consuming. There can often be complex pre-trial procedure that take a significant amount of time to complete and usually require legal representation. There can also be delays in bringing the case to trial as courts often have a backlog of cases to hear. Additionally the trial itself can be time-consuming as the strict rules of procedure and evidence must be followed, adding to the length of the trial.