Disputes involving civil, family, social, commercial or industrial matters may be referred for mediation. On the other hand, cases requiring a legal ruling or a binding precedent or those involving criminal offences or where a plaintiff seeks punitive damages, are not appropriate for mediation. It should be noted that family mediation refers to certain family disputes such as, for example, inheritance disputes or disputes arising out of family-owned business. It does not include separation or divorce which fall under the competence of the Civil Court, Family Section, and are regulated by specific legislation.