Mediation Practice in the Magistrates Courts

Chris Marnewick has produced a well-structured and insightful guide to mediation practice in the Magistrates Courts. Indeed his contribution goes beyond that. He offers an accessible, well-researched and critical account of mediation process that will deepen appreciation among members of the profession of the value of this increasingly influential form of dispute resolution.

Chris Marnewick SC’s book Mediation Practice in the Magistrates’ Court will be a welcome addition to any legal practitioner’s library. Following a worldwide trend in the increased use of mediation as a dispute resolution procedure, mediation services have recently been introduced into South African Magistrates’ Courts. The book is an extremely useful practical guide to legal practitioners and the disputing parties. Furthermore, the book will be a useful guide to officials who are engaged in mediation practice in the Magistrates’ Courts. The book deals with numerous aspects including, a comprehensive section dealing with legal practitioners’ involvement in the mediation process, a comprehensive commentary on negotiation and commentary on the various legal aspects on mediation. The book also deals with the recent introduction of mediation rules into the South African Magistrates Courts whereby mediation became available as method of dispute resolution. The book has the relevant Magistrate Court Mediation Rules, Forms and the applicable tariffs. Mediation skills and know-how have become an essential facet of the services offered by practitioners and this book is an excellent comprehensive guide on the subject.