Civil litigation is a way of solving a dispute in court. This article talks about civil litigation and the difference between Arbitration and Mediation. 

Difference between Arbitration and Mediation 

What Is Civil Litigation? 

Civil litigation is the method of resolving civil disputes in a court of law. Civil disputes are cases involving individuals and their relationships. Civil litigation consists of a person or company initiating a claim against another person or firm, rather than a person versus the government as in a criminal case.

 

The Procedure

The complainant makes a complaint with the court and “provides” a copy of the petition on the accused to start a civil case in federal court. The lawsuit outlines the claimant’s injuries or damage, describes how the accused caused the damage, establishes the court’s jurisdiction, and requests grant relief. A victim can ask the court to award monetary damages or request the accused to cease the behavior triggering the damage. The judge can order other forms of remedy, such as a statement of the claimant’s constitutional rights in a specific case. Read more about civil litigation.

Preparation of the Case 

There will be a process known as “discovery,” The court asks the complainants to share details about the case, like the identities of witnesses and a photocopy of any records relating to the point. 

Discovery aims to help plaintiffs prepare for proceedings by forcing them to gather evidence and arrange to present witnesses. Each side can also file petitions, known as “motions,” with the court, asking for decisions on evidence collection and court proceedings. 

A testimony, which requires a witness to address questions about the case before the proceedings, may be part of the discovery process. The witness responds to questions from the attorney under oath in front of a court clerk, who creates a word-for-word copy. 

Settling Differences 

To reduce the cost and time of a courtroom, judges allow disputants and try to resolve their differences by negotiation. The courts promote arbitration, mediation, and other means of alternative dispute resolution to resolve a dispute without resorting to a lawsuit or further legal proceedings. As a result, plaintiffs and defendants often come to an “agreement.” The judge will set a court date if the parties cannot settle. Under the Constitution, every party has the right to demand a jury trial in a wide range of civil matters. If the parties forfeit their right to a problem, a judge will hear the case without a panel. 

The disputes can also be resolved outside the courtroom. Some mechanisms used to determine your dispute are arbitration and mediation.

Mediation

It is a non-binding mechanism in which a single mediator does not decide the case but encourages dialogue and subsequent settlement of the disagreement. 

Arbitration:

A compulsory procedure that substitutes the entire court process by appointing multiple (mainly three) judges to hear the case. Click here to know more about arbitration and mediation.

 

Difference between arbitration and mediation

The key difference between arbitration and mediation are:

Based on nature  

Arbitration is a structured procedure that follows a similar path to lawsuits but takes place outside of the courtroom, while mediation is a more simple procedure.

Elements-based

Arbitration necessitates evidence-gathering measures. There is no need for proof in mediation.

Cost

Arbitration is more costly than mediation, which is a less affordable alternative.

Effects

Arbitration results in a judgment in which one side wins and the other loses; the verdict may affect the relationship between the participants. When you settle the conflict through mediation, it is a win-win arrangement for all sides with no disagreement, so there is a chance of good relations among the parties after the resolution. 

Personal contact with the arbitrator

In arbitration, the law doesn’t allow parties to have little personal contact and private correspondence with the arbitrator. There are no such limitations in mediation.  

Both methods assist disputing parties in resolving their differences without going to court.

Summary 

Civil litigation is the method of resolving civil disputes in a court. Disputes can also be resolved outside the courtroom. Mechanisms used to determine your disputes are arbitration and mediation.