What is "mediation" in the context of civil disputes?

Mediation is characterized as a form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) that involves a neutral third party who facilitates negotiations between the disputing parties to help them reach a mutually acceptable settlement. The mediator does not make decisions for the parties but instead guides the conversation, aids in communication, and encourages compromise. This process is often preferred in civil disputes because it can save time and costs associated with litigation, allow for more flexible solutions, and help preserve relationships between the parties.

In contrast to a formal court proceeding, mediation is typically less structured and does not involve a judge or legal statutes governing the outcome. It also differs from a required procedural step before trial, as mediation is typically voluntary and can occur at any time during the dispute process, not just prior to trial. Additionally, while binding arbitration is another form of ADR where an arbitrator makes a decision that the parties agree to abide by, mediation does not have the same binding authority; instead, any agreement reached is based on the parties' consensus. Thus, option A accurately encapsulates what mediation entails in the context of civil disputes.