1. Mediation from the viewpoint of the judge
Dr.iur. Zane Pētersone
Judge at the Civil Cases Department of the Supreme Court of Latvia; representative of Latvia in GEMME
Mediation from the viewpoint of the judge

2. Mediation systems Free mediation Court-annexed mediation
Court mediation
Integrated mediation

3. Latvian Mediation Law
Court-annexed mediation – in Latvia since
Obligation for the judge/the court to inform parties about mediation (to suggest mediation):
- when the claim statement has been received
- when preparing the case for trial
- during the preparatory hearing
during the main hearing
List of (38) certified mediators

4. Why to refer parties to mediation?
Mission of a judge
Satisfaction for a judge
Rule of law
Economy of resources

5. When to refer parties to mediation?
Options for the parties:
negotiations
conciliation
mediation
arbitration
court

6. How to refer parties to mediation?
To persuade or to allure?
To tell or to interrogate?
Rights or interests?
Techniques similar to the mediator’s techniques

7. Stages Conflict diagnosis (type and escalation)
Clarifying parties’ interests
Clarifying the best option to solve the conflict
Explaining the best option to solve the conflict
Referral of parties to the best option

8. Skills To gain parties’ trust To recognize parties’ emotions
To gain information
To summarize information
To see possible solutions

9. Myths about mediation Mediation does not work
Mediation is not for parties in conflict
Mediation is not successful if there is no agreement signed
There is no mediation possible now, if it had already been tried before and had not brought the parties to an agreement

10. Hopes for future Mediation officer (mediation desk) in every court
Informed society
Cooperative lawyers
Educated and well-trained judges and court staff