Which describes mediation?

• A. A private trial with three arbitrators.
• B. A form of dispute resolution outside court where a neutral third party helps the parties reach a settlement.
• C. An official in a court of law who keeps order.
• D. A group of citizens selected from the community to hear evidence and decide a case.

Answer: (B)

Mediation centers on collaborative problem-solving with a neutral facilitator outside the courtroom. The mediator helps the parties talk, clarify interests, and explore options to reach a voluntary settlement, but does not impose a decision. This is different from processes that involve a decision by a third party: arbitration or a private trial would involve arbitrators issuing a binding resolution; a court official maintains order in court; a jury decides the case after hearing evidence. So the description that best fits mediation is the one where a neutral third party helps the parties settle outside court.