Mediation in Context

Edited by Marion Liebmann, Mediation in Context is a comprehensive overview of mediation in all its forms. Opening with a clear introduction and history of mediation, the initial chapters manage to successfully summarise the last 20 years of practice, whilst also highlighting current debates regarding quality, accreditation and equal opportunities practice. Having laid the necessary foundations we are then presented with a series of 15 chapters each dealing with a specific type of mediation, from peer mediation in schools through to workplace mediation and all in between. Indeed unless your local branch of ufologists made face-to-face contact with Zorg and his comrades you can safely assume that your form of mediation is here. As each chapter is written by a lead practitioner in the field, the text presents a fascinating and highly informative snapshot of current mediation practice. This picture is supported by case studies, particularly useful in the chapters examining victim-offender and mediation in a South London secondary school. One of the successes of the book is the manner in which it manages to reflect the diversity of practice yet consistently grounds all approaches in a thorough and necessary understanding of conflict resolution. An understanding that has perhaps to date been occasionally left behind when extolling the virtues of mediation. One can only hope that Liebmann et al's ability to present practical, service-based reviews in Mediation in Context not only offers the foundations but sets the standards for future reference. A welcome and necessary addition to the comparitvely under researched field, Mediation in Context is as accessible to first timers as it is to old dispute resolution packhorses. Look, it even has full references, further reading details and subject and author indexes. What more do you want; professional recognition and guaranteed funding?