Lesson 5 – Preserving Party Autonomy

Party autonomy means that participants control both the process and outcome of mediation.

Ethical mediators continually reinforce this principle.

This includes reminding parties of their right to stop, take breaks, consult counsel, or decline settlement.

Autonomy is preserved not only through words, but through mediator demeanor and procedural choices.

Maintaining autonomy strengthens both ethical compliance and the durability of agreements.