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Lawyers' perspectives on 'what is court-connected mediation for?'
This article analyses the results of an empirical investigation into lawyers’ perspectives of the goal of court-connected mediation in the Supreme Court of Tasmania, Australia. The findings of other empirical studies are drawn upon to contextualise the results. The data reveal a tendency for lawyers to emphasise settlement in accordance with the law as the main purpose of court-connected mediation. There was evidence that some lawyers maintain a competitive approach to court-connected mediation, seeking to ‘win’ for their clients with minimal regard to the other party’s goals or to achieve outcomes that reflect a legal assessment of the case. However, where non-legal, satisfaction-related needs were met, many lawyers viewed such outcomes as particularly positive. A mixed range of views was revealed, with the common goals of an opportunity for settlement and a focus on law as a reference point. The findings contribute to knowledge about lawyers’ understandings of ‘what is mediation for?’.
History
Publication title
International Journal of The Legal ProfessionVolume
20Pagination
33-65ISSN
0969-5958Department/School
Faculty of LawPublisher
RoutledgePlace of publication
UKRights statement
Copyright 2013 Taylor & FrancisRepository Status
- Restricted