Local Government Use of Mediation for Resolution of Public Disputes

Urban Lawyer, Vol. 22, No. 2, p. 179, Spring 1990

17 Pages Posted: 8 Jan 2012

See all articles by Barbara McAdoo

Barbara McAdoo

Hamline University School of Law

Larry Bakken

Hamline University

Multiple version iconThere are 2 versions of this paper

Date Written: January 1, 1990

Abstract

Public disputes are difficult to resolve at best and often lead to serious conflict or protracted litigation. This article focuses on: (1) a discussion of the usual decision-making process followed by local city councils when confronted with public issues; (2) an introduction to the use of mediation for the resolution of public disputes: what it is, how to use it, and what its key advantages are; (3) an examination of two areas (redevelopment and halfway house proposals) as examples where mediation might be used to resolve very difficult public issues; and (4) a brief discussion of how to prepare for a mediation session. Its purpose is: (1) to de-mystify this ADR technique for those who have not yet been introduced to mediation at all; (2) to provide some specific guidance for parties and attorneys entering a mediation process; and (3) to advocate for a more widespread use of mediation in local government public disputes. The use of ADR, particularly focused in this article on the mediation option, can help planners, policymakers, and attorneys ensure that they craft the best solutions for complex public disputes.

Keywords: Mediation, Alternative Dispute Resolution, ADR, public disputes, public interest law

Suggested Citation

McAdoo, Barbara and Bakken, Larry, Local Government Use of Mediation for Resolution of Public Disputes (January 1, 1990). Urban Lawyer, Vol. 22, No. 2, p. 179, Spring 1990, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1929091

Barbara McAdoo (Contact Author)

Hamline University School of Law ( email )

1536 Hewitt Avenue
Saint Paul, MN 55104-1237
United States

Larry Bakken

Hamline University ( email )

1536 Hewitt Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55104
United States

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