Mediation lawyers are the subject of a far-reaching proposal to make adjustment to the legal system of Malta, an island nation in the Mediterranean Sea.  Chief Justice Silvio Camilleri has suggested that mediation be used as a dispute resolution tool for cases that are in the appeals process.  Dr. Camilleri spoke on the issue, also advocating the creation of a Case Management System whose mission would be so speed up the rate of court hearings.  Mediation is seen as a key part of a solution, since cases that can be solved via mediation are likely to free up court dockets for other kinds of legal issues.

"Perhaps one should examine the possibility of making better use of the time that an appeal is pending," commented Camilleri, "by, for example, considering the submission of the case to mediation.  Should mediation achieve results by the time the appeal submissions are due to be heard the appeal would be immediately tackled and decided."

Reorganizing the Work of Mediation Lawyers

Camilleri also suggested that reorganizing the way in which mediation lawyers proceed in Malta would be helpful.  He observed, for example, that under current procedures, mediation sessions might last only 30 minutes, a time frame that is too short for many kinds of negotiations.  

Insurance mediation is one type that might benefit from longer sessions.