Over the years, the Program's scope has expanded to include mediating more complex disputes in other settings. Basic and Advanced Division Descriptions 1. The HMP includes both basic and advanced mediation opportunities. The Basic Division, providing the backbone of the HMP's structure, involves opportunities to learn, practice and teach small claims court mediation. When parties of a small claim are asked or agree to try mediation, the court officer assigns them to a pair of mediators.
Mediations typically last between forty-five and ninety minutes.
If settlement is reached, a written agreement is entered as a judgment of the court. If settlement is not reached, the obligation of the mediators ends and the parties remain in court to have their cases heard by a clerk-magistrate. The HMP offers Basic Training twice each academic year. Approximately twenty-four applicants are accepted for each training. Interest far exceeds available space so applicants must pass through a two-part screening process.