The Efficacy of Mediation as an Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanism: A Critique.

Overview
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

DECLARATION ........................................................................................................................... i

APPROVAL ................................................................................................................................. ii

DEDICATION ............................................................................................................................ iii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ......................................................................................................... iv

ABSTRACT ............................................................................................................................. viii

LIST OF ACRONYMS .............................................................................................................. ix

LIST OF STATUTES·················································································································X

LIST OF CASES ........................................................................................................................ xi

CHAPTER ONE ......................................................................................................................... 1

INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................... !

1.0 Background to the study ........................................................................................................ 1

1.2 Statement of the problem ...................................................................................................... 2

1.3 Purpose of the study .............................................................................................................. 3

1.4 Objectives of the study .......................................................................................................... 4

1.4.1 General objective of the study ............................................................................................ 4

1.4.2 Specific objectives of the study are to: ............................................................................... 4

1.5 Research Questions ............................................................................................................... 4

1.6 Scope and Limitations of the study ....................................................................................... 4

1. 7 Significance of the study ....................................................................................................... 5

1.8 Research Methodology .......................................................................................................... 5

1.9 Literature Review .................................................................................................................. 5

1.10 Organizational Layout. ...................................................................................................... l8

CHAPTER TWO ....................................................................................................................... 19

2.0 Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 19

2.1 The UN Charter .................................................................................................................. 19

2.2 UNCITRAL Model Law on International Commercial Conciliation ................................. 20

2.3 The Judicature Act Cap 13 .................................................................................................. 22

2.4 The Civil Procedure Act (Cap 7) and the Civil Procedure Rules ........................................ 23

2.5 The Arbitration and Conciliation Act (Cap 4) .................................................................... 23

2.6 The Land Act (Cap 227) ...................................................................................................... 25

2.7 TI1e Judicature (Mediation) Rules 2013 .............................................................................. 26

2.8 Conclusion ........................................................................................................................... 28

CHAPTER THREE ...................................................................................................................... 29

EFFECTIVENESS AND CHALLENGES FACED BY MEDIATION AS AN ALTERNATIVE

DISPUTE RESOLUTION MECHANISM ................................................................................... 29

3 .I Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 29

3 .I The role of mediation .......................................................................................................... 30

3.2 Effectiveness of Court Annexed Mediation ........................................................................ 31

3.4 Challenges facing mediation ............................................................................................... 33

3.5 Critique to mandatory Mediation ........................................................................................ 34

3.6 Conclusion ........................................................................................................................... 39

CHAPTER FOUR ......................................................................................................................... 40

INTERNATIONAL BEST PRACTICES OF MEDIATION AS AN ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE

RESOLUTION MECHANISM. ................................................................................................... 40

4.0 Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 40

4.1 Mediation in Kenya ............................................................................................................. 41

4.2 Fusion of Mediation with Arbitration in Kenya .................................................................. 41

4.3 SOUTH AFRICA ................................................................................................................ 42

4.4 Practice of Mediation in Resolving Family Disputes in South Africa ................................ 46

4.5 ADR in Labour disputes in United Kingdom ...................................................................... 51

4.6 Conclusion ........................................................................................................................... 53

CHAPTER FIVE .......................................................................................................................... 54

REFORMS AND RECOMENDATIONS .................................................................................... 54

5.0 Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 54

5.1 Adoption of the community mediation and ADR model is important.. .............................. 54

5.1 Training and Research ......................................................................................................... 54

5.3 Introduction of Code of Ethics for Mediators ..................................................................... 55

5.4 Upholding the best interests of the child by use of mediation ............................................ 55

5.5 Introduction of Computer Courses for Judicial Officers ..................................................... 55

5.6 The adaptation of Mediation and ADR in corporation disputes ......................................... 56

5. 7 Improvement of Conditions of Service for Judicial Officers .............................................. 57

5.8 Public sensitization .............................................................................................................. 57

5.9 Increase on Adjourmnent fees in the Judicature (mediation) Rules 2013 ........................... 57

5.10 Employment of more Mediators ....................................................................................... 57

5.11 Quality control of Mediators ............................................................................................. 58

5.12 Conclussion ....................................................................................................................... 58

REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................. 60

ABSTRACT Civil litigation is the primary method of dispute resolution in the Ugandan civil justice system. This process is characterized by a number of shortcomings which include the adversarial nature of the process which often creates further conflict between disputing parties and often results in permanently destroyed relationships between them. Further shortcomings include the highly complex, costly and time-consuming nature of civil litigation. These shortcomings infiinge on the constitutional imperative of access to justice for Ugandans, particularly for the indigent members of society. In addition, court rolls have become overburdened due to the rapidly increasing vohune of litigation at court. This often results in extensive waiting periods before matters are heard at court and further infiinges tl1e attainment of access to justice. While progress has been made in enhancing tile civil justice system over the years, tl1e aforementioned shortcomings prevail. In recent years tl1e Ugandan govermnent has introduced the concept of mandatory court based mediation to the civil justice system with the view of promoting access to justice and enhancing the civil justice system. In a nutshell, mandatory court based mediation refers a civil dispute to mediation ouce an appearance to defend is entered at court, in order to attempt tile settlement of the matter. In the event of the dispute not being resolved, the matter is then referred back to the conventional litigation process for resolution. Mandatory court based mediation, while controversial and beaJing valid criticism; aims to promote access to justice and reconciliation between aggrieved parties and remedies a number of tl1e shortcomings currently plaguing tile Ugandan civil justice system. This paper therefore discusses tl1e efficacy of Mediation as a dispute resolution mechanism in the civil justice system ofUga11da.

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The Efficacy of Mediation as an Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanism: A Critique.

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