2005 Model Standards of Conduct for Mediators

"Mediation is used to resolve a broad range of conflicts within a variety of settings.
These Standards are designed to serve as fundamental ethical guidelines for persons
mediating in all practice contexts. They serve three primary goals: to guide the conduct
of mediators; to inform the mediating parties; and to promote public confidence in
mediation as a process for resolving disputes.

Mediation is a process in which an impartial third party facilitates communication
and negotiation and promotes voluntary decision making by the parties to the dispute.
Mediation serves various purposes, including providing the opportunity for parties
to define and clarify issues, understand different perspectives, identify interests, explore
and assess possible solutions, and reach mutually satisfactory agreements, when desired."

Developed by The Symposicum on Standards of Practice; Approved by the following organizations:

• American Arbitration Association (Adopted September 8, 2005)
• American Bar Association (Adopted August 9, 2005)
• Association for Conflict Resolution (adopted August 22, 2005)

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For a comparison of the prior standards adopted in 1994 and the 2005 standards, please review the following: The Change in Model Standards Comparison of 1994 and 2005