Mediation in Latvia: roots, progress and perspective Dana Rone, Lecturer of Turība University

Mediation in civil cases and criminal cases Different terminology, the same goal In civil cases – mediators and certified mediators in mediation In criminal cases – intermediary in settlement process

Mediation in civil and criminal cases: Normative regulation Mediation law (adopted on May 22, 2014) Cabinet of Ministers Regulations No.433 (adopted on August 5, 2014) Civil Procedure Law Criminal Procedure Law

Mediation roots in Latvia First courses, seminars, activities of NGOs to popularize mediation On February Cabinet of Ministers adopted Order No. 121 Concept on introduction of mediation into the settlement of civil law disputes Ministry of Justice created a work group tasked to elaborate the action plan for introduction of mediation

Mediation progress in Latvia Examination of certified mediators In October 2014 – 24 persons passed the exam In October 2015 – 14 persons passed the exam Examination consists of 3 stages: 1.Multiple choice test on normative regulation of mediation 2.Written answers to two questions on mediation 3.Role play of mediator in the presence of the examination commission

Mediation progress in Latvia Amendments to the Cabinet of Ministers regulation No.433 on mediation Increase in study hours before certification examination (from 30 to 100) and before attestation (every 5 years) More clear requirements regarding procedure of examination

Mediation perspectives in Latvia Significant increase of mediation sessions in country Increase of cases in courts completed by amicable agreements Overall raising of popularity of mediation New examination of certified mediators to be expected in the end of September 2016 Draft amendments of laws are getting prepared: Sworn notaries and sworn court bailiffs will also have rights to mediate (after they pass exam of certified mediator)

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