Allan Goodman

When reviewing the Allan Goodman book, I found that the book have a number of things that coincided with the literature throughout the semester. With the positive things could not outweigh the negative things I disagreed with. According to Goodman, the mediator does have the authority to control he process and suggest solutions (2005). This is contrary to the literature about the control of the process. Beer, J., Packard, C. & Stief, E (2012) explains a mediator’s role is to guide and not to make solutions to the mediation parties. I feel it in my opinion it may not be appropriate for mediator to offer suggestions. Beer, et al. (2012) defines a mediator’s role as guiding parties through the process having impartially and detachment from

I was trying to understand was a preliminary conference that same as intake and contacting parties involved. Goodman (2005) explains when discussing with the parties their need to conduct discovery before mediation. Conducting discovery is the formal process of gathering and exchanging information between the parties about the witnesses and evidence to be used in trial according to the American Bar Association (2014). In contrast Beer, et al. (2012) explain during the premeditation phase, a mediator has one on one conversations with those involved to see if they would like to participate, who should attend and how mediation works. In my opinion having to present my views to the other side is controversial and may cause fallout between parties.

Goodman also requests that the parties send a brief premeditation memorandum describing the dispute to be familiar with the issues in dispute (2005). The parties would know the issues at hand and it is up to the mediator to collect information from sequences of interviews with parties involved (Moore,

In my opinion, he tries to control the process which is ultimately in the hands of the parties within the conflict. This book has a lot of contradicting information from classroom materials.

Works Cited

American Bar Association (2014). How courts work. Retrieved from http://www.americanbar.org/groups/public_education/resources/law_related_education_network/how_courts_work/discovery.html

Beer, J., Packard, C. & Stief, E. (2012). The mediator's handbook. Gabriola, B.C: New Society Pub.

Goodman, A. (2005). Basic skills for the new mediator. Rockville, MD: Solomon Publications.

Kraybill, R. & Schrock-Shenk, C. (2008). Mediation: Storytelling Stage. In Armster, M. E. & L.S. Amstutz (Eds.). Conflict Transformation and Restorative Justice Manual. 5th, (pp. 150-151). Akron, OH: Mennonite Central Committee, Office on Justice and Peacebuilding.

Moore, C. (2003). The mediation process: practical strategies for resolving conflict. San Francisco: