Mediation is increasingly becoming a popular alternative to traditional litigation, and experts predict that its use will continue to grow in the UK and globally. In this blog post, we will explore the potential impact of mediation on the UK legal system and its implications worldwide, citing some research to support these predictions.
- Increased use of mediation.
Research suggests that the use of mediation is likely to increase in the UK and globally. In the UK, the Civil Justice Council reported that the number of mediations in civil and commercial cases increased by 20% between 2018 and 2019. Additionally, a survey by JAMS, a leading provider of mediation services, found that 91% of respondents believe that mediation will become a more popular form of dispute resolution globally.
- Reduced court backlog.
The increased use of mediation is likely to have a significant impact on the UK legal system and the global justice system by reducing the backlog of cases in the court system. According to a report by the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution, mediation can save up to 80% of the time and cost of litigation, resulting in fewer cases being brought to court and more efficient use of court resources.
- Improved access to justice.
Mediation can also improve access to justice by providing a more affordable and accessible form of dispute resolution. This is particularly important for low-income individuals who may not have the resources to pursue traditional litigation. According to a report by the Ministry of Justice, the average cost of mediation is £600 per case, which is significantly less expensive than traditional litigation.
- More collaborative approach to dispute resolution.
Mediation promotes a more collaborative and less adversarial approach to dispute resolution, which can lead to better outcomes for all parties involved. According to a report by the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution, 70% of mediations result in a settlement, with parties reporting higher satisfaction with the process and the outcome.
- Increased use of technology.
The use of technology in mediation is also likely to increase in the UK and globally. Online mediation platforms, for example, can provide a more convenient and accessible form of dispute resolution. A survey by JAMS found that 88% of respondents believe that technology will play a more significant role in mediation in the future.
In conclusion, the future of mediation looks promising, with its potential impact on the UK legal system and globally likely to be significant. Increased use of mediation, reduced court backlog, improved access to justice, a more collaborative approach to dispute resolution, and increased use of technology are just some of the predicted developments. If you are involved in a dispute, it is worth considering mediation as a viable alternative to traditional litigation, given its many benefits and potential impact on the legal system in the UK and beyond.