1. Warm-up for 01.07.10 DO NOT COPY, JUST DO! **1. Using the dictionaries at your table, please define the words arbitration and mediate for warm-up. 2. After defining these words, write down your guess for how they might relate to the court system and what we are currently studying. **This warm-up will give you all the information that you need for Letter K

2. Answers to warm-up for 01.07.10 1.Arbitration – the process of referring the issues to an impartial person or group for judgment or settlement Mediate – to settle differences by working with all sides to help them come to an agreement HOW ARE THEY DIFFERENT? http://www.ehow.com/video_4985480_what-difference-between-mediation- arbitration.html Arbitration – the final decision is up to an outsider – a person not involved in the situation who is impartial. Mediation – the final decision is up to the people who disagree. They must come up with a solution with the help of an outsider who mediates for them.

3. Answers to warm-up for 01.07.10 2. Arbitration and mediation are used to settle disputes between 2 or more people or groups so that a lawsuit can be avoided. Benefits? -Save you LOTS of CASH MONEY! -Save you time -Solutions tend to stick b/c people have a vested interest in the issue – 95% -You are more in control of the process, and it is seen as being more emotionally healthy because you are simply trying to find a solution to a problem – not to blame or punish someone else in a public setting.

4. Answers to warm-up for 01.07.10 Extra question to be answered: 3. What types of civil cases can be settled by arbitration or mediation? - Noise - Property maintenance/nuisance issues - Renters/homeowner conflicts - Housemate disputes - Safety and environmental concerns - Landlord/tenant disputes - Some HOA covenant enforcement - Construction and real estate issues - Child custody and support