Arbitration and Mediation Act

The Arbitration and Mediation Act provides legal rules for resolving disputes outside traditional courts. Arbitration involves parties submitting their disagreement to a private arbitrator, whose decision (the award) is usually final and enforceable by law. Mediation involves a neutral mediator helping the parties negotiate a mutually acceptable solution without imposing a decision. The Act outlines procedures, rights, and responsibilities for both methods, promoting efficient, flexible, and confidential resolution of disputes. It encourages alternative dispute resolution as a way to reduce the burden on courts and achieve quicker, cost-effective outcomes.