This non-contributory module provides an introduction to mediation and the skills required to resolve legal disputes without recourse to litigation. This will include an introduction to the concept of mediation, workshops on the skills required to prepare for it, and take part in mediation, leading to participation in an internal mediation competition using scenarios provided.
Students will be competing for the opportunity to participate in the South East Regional Heat of the National Mediation Competition, which takes place during the following Autumn term. Each university is allowed to send 2 teams (4 students) to compete in this event. This competition does not form part of the module however, it represents a goal for students to work towards in the internal competition.
Total study hours: 24
Contact hours: 12
Private study hours: 12
All single and joint honours Law programmes. Not available to first year students.
Main assessment methods
This module does not form part of the formal 240 credit diet at stages 2 & 3, therefore assessment do not formally 'count' for the degree. The module represents extra learning and an opportunity to gain transferable skills to enhance employability.
Students who attend and participate in the seminars/workshops and take part in the internal mediation competition will be deemed to have passed this module and will thus achieve the learning outcomes. The successful completion of this module is recognised on the students final Degree Transcripts.
Reassessment methods
This module does not form part of the formal 240 credit diet at stages 2 & 3, therefore assessment does not formally 'count' for the degree. The module represents extra learning and an opportunity to gain transferable skills to enhance employability. As such the module does not have a reassessment method.
Carr, H and Horsey, K, Skills for Law Students (Oxford University Press, 2009)
Finch E and Fafinski, S, Legal Skills (Oxford University Press, 2013)
Moore, CW, The Mediation Process: Practical Strategies for Resolving Conflict (Jossey Bass, 1986) Webb, J, Maughan, C (et al.), Lawyers' Skills (Legal Practice Course Guide) 15th Ed. (Oxford University Press, 2013)
Whateling, T, Mediation, Skills and Strategy (Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2012
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate detailed knowledge and understanding of the practice of mediation in the context of the legislation and legal concepts
studied as part of the formal law degree programme;
2. Demonstrate a sound grounding into various aspects of mediation and their relationship to the practice of law and other fields of
employment;
3. Demonstrate detailed knowledge and understanding of the techniques used in mediation;
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1. Undertake mediations effectively and with confidence;
2. Critically identify and analyse the issues involved in a dispute and to support the mediation of those issues;
3. Recognise potential alternatives to litigation as appropriate to the dispute involved and to critically evaluate the appropriate approach;
4. Accurately identify the issue(s) that require research;
5. Demonstrate their oral skills with persuasion to support the parties involved in moving toward a successful resolution.
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