What Does Justice Mean to You? Reflecting on Mediation and Moving Forward
Justice is a deeply personal concept. For some, it’s about receiving financial compensation to address the harm done. For others, it’s about accountability, ensuring that the wrongdoer faces consequences. Justice might also mean recognition and validation—having your story acknowledged—or even a sense of punishment for those who caused harm. There’s no singular definition, and in mediation, these varying interpretations often come to the forefront.
Mediation: A Unique Challenge and Opportunity
Mediation challenges us to reflect on what we truly need to move forward. Unlike a court decision, which imposes a resolution, mediation requires us to define what justice looks like for ourselves. This process can be emotionally difficult but also profoundly insightful.
Mediation also forces us to reckon with compromise. The old saying, “A good mediation is one where everyone leaves equally dissatisfied,” underscores the reality that neither party will walk away with everything they wanted. However, the goal isn’t perfection—it’s finding a resolution that allows you to reclaim your energy and focus on the future.
Tips for Navigating Mediation
Reflect on Your Goals in Advance: Ask yourself what you need to move forward. Is it financial compensation? An apology? A chance to share your story? Preparing emotionally and practically will help you make clearer decisions during mediation.
Consider the Power of Non-Monetary Remedies: Money is often an important factor, but non-monetary resolutions, like policy changes, training for the other party, or even an apology, can provide deep satisfaction.
Manage Expectations: Mediation is about compromise, not total vindication. Consider what a realistic outcome looks like, not only from your perspective but also from the other party’s.
Take Care of Yourself: Mediation can be stressful and emotionally taxing. Use grounding techniques, take breaks when needed, and lean on your support system—whether that’s your lawyer, a therapist, or trusted friends.
The Challenges of Mediation
Mediation is not without its frustrations. The process can feel slow, emotionally draining, and even unfair at times. Being asked to compromise can be hard when you feel your position is morally or legally correct. Yet, mediation also offers something unique: the opportunity for creative solutions and personalized resolutions that a court might not provide.
One of the most difficult but profound aspects of mediation is deciding what justice means for you personally. For some, that might mean achieving a financial settlement to recover lost wages or therapy costs. For others, it might mean an apology, policy changes, or even the chance to confront those who harmed them.
Finding Hope and Healing Through Mediation
Despite its challenges, mediation can also be a source of profound healing. I’ve witnessed moments in mediation that went beyond compensation or agreements.
One client, for example, was given the chance to share their experience directly with the people who had harmed them. The perpetrators had to sit quietly and listen—perhaps for the first time—to the harm they had caused. Watching my client reclaim their voice, after years of being silenced, was one of the most powerful moments I’ve ever seen. For them, this act of being heard was far more validating than any monetary settlement.
This aligns with the principles of restorative justice, which focus on repairing harm and rebuilding relationships. While not every mediation can incorporate these principles, when they are used, they can provide a sense of closure and empowerment that traditional legal resolutions often lack.
Turning Dissatisfaction into Positive Resolutions
The key to finding satisfaction in mediation lies in reframing the process as an opportunity for growth and closure:
Focus on What You Can Control: You have the ultimate authority to decide whether to settle or move forward to a hearing. Use that power to define an outcome that works for you.
Celebrate the Small Wins: Even if the result isn’t perfect, recognize the progress you’ve made—whether it’s a settlement, a policy change, or simply the act of advocating for yourself.
Find Meaning Beyond the Process: Reflect on how you’ve grown through the experience, the boundaries you’ve set, and the justice you’ve pursued.
Conclusion
Mediation isn’t just about resolving a legal dispute; it’s a chance to reflect on what justice means to you, what you need to move forward, and how you can reclaim your voice. It requires compromise and resilience, but it can also provide powerful opportunities for healing and validation.
At its best, mediation isn’t just about walking away with a solution—it’s about walking away with a sense of empowerment, closure, and hope for the future.