Rule I Policy

Mississippi courts want people to settle their disputes peacefully and as early as possible, without a long court fight. Judges are encouraged to look at pending lawsuits and figure out which ones might be a good fit for mediation.

Mediation is a way for people in a lawsuit to sit down with a neutral person and try to work out an agreement on their own, instead of having a judge or jury decide the outcome. This rule sets the overall goal behind the mediation program: solving problems faster and with less conflict whenever possible.

For anyone involved in a civil lawsuit in Mississippi, this means the court may suggest or refer your case to mediation. The idea is to give both sides a chance to reach a fair agreement voluntarily before spending more time and money on a trial.