Which statement best describes the role of the mediator in ADR?

Which statement best describes the role of the mediator in ADR?

• A. A neutral third party who attempts to assist both parties to reach a settlement. They do not judge nor comment on the merits of each sides case. The mediator refrains from making their own suggestions but helps define their position and assist to identify any areas of common ground
• B. A judge who decides the case
• C. A party's representative who advocates for their client
• D. A court-appointed expert who prescribes remedies

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that a mediator acts as a neutral facilitator who helps the parties communicate, explore interests, and work toward a settlement without making decisions or judging who is right. This description fits best because the mediator’s job is to aid negotiation, keep the process fair, and identify areas where the parties can agree, rather than ruling on the case or advocating for one side. The other roles described—someone who decides the case, a representative who argues for a client, or an expert who prescribes remedies—are not part of mediation. A judge makes rulings, a party’s advocate pushes a position, and a court-appointed expert provides technical opinions for a decision, not a settlement.

The key idea is that a mediator acts as a neutral facilitator who helps the parties communicate, explore interests, and work toward a settlement without making decisions or judging who is right. This description fits best because the mediator’s job is to aid negotiation, keep the process fair, and identify areas where the parties can agree, rather than ruling on the case or advocating for one side.

The other roles described—someone who decides the case, a representative who argues for a client, or an expert who prescribes remedies—are not part of mediation. A judge makes rulings, a party’s advocate pushes a position, and a court-appointed expert provides technical opinions for a decision, not a settlement.