What is the purpose of mediation in Ohio's civil procedure?

Mediation serves as a key component of Ohio's civil procedure, primarily acting as a mechanism to facilitate resolutions between disputing parties with the assistance of a neutral third party. This process encourages dialogue and collaboration, allowing both parties to express their perspectives, identify underlying interests, and work towards mutually satisfactory solutions.

Through mediation, the focus is on finding a resolution rather than determining a winner or loser; this contrasts with more adversarial processes like trials, where judgments are imposed. The role of the neutral mediator is to guide the conversation, help clarify issues, and ensure that each party feels heard, which can lead to more amicable settlements and reduce the need for lengthy litigation.

While preparing cases for trial, imposing judgments, or altering the burden of proof may be relevant to the overall civil procedure, these functions do not align with the primary objective of mediation, which is to resolve disputes amicably and efficiently. Thus, the facilitation of resolutions through a neutral party accurately captures the essence of mediation in this context.