(710 ILCS 20/1) (from Ch. 37, par. 851)
Sec. 1.
The General Assembly finds that the resolution of certain disputes can
be costly and time-consuming in the context of a formal judicial
proceeding; and that mediation of disputes has a great potential for
efficiently reducing the volume of matters which burden the court system in
this State; and that unresolved disputes which individually may be of small
social or economic magnitude are collectively of enormous social and
economic consequence; and that many seemingly minor conflicts between
individuals may escalate into major social problems unless resolved early
in an atmosphere in which the disputants can discuss their differences
through an informal yet structured process; and that there is a compelling
need in a complex society for dispute resolution centers in which people
can participate in creating lasting resolutions to ongoing conflicts; and
that not-for-profit dispute resolution centers can make a substantial
contribution to the operation and maintenance of the courts of this State
by keeping some matters from litigation and by providing a mechanism for
resolving certain pending matters.
(Source: P.A. 85-756.)
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