Opinion ID: 2427838
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Other Methods to Expedite Cases

Text: While it awaits the judicial resources it needs, the District of Arizona, with the help of this Judicial Council, will employ whatever techniques, innovations, and other methods it can to expedite cases. One such idea that the District of Arizona is currently evaluating is an offer from the Ninth Circuit's Office of the Circuit Mediator for its team of mediators to help with the caseload burden. The mediators would help with only civil cases, and only those in which both parties are represented by counsel. Once the district and the Circuit Mediation Office are able to consider and work through the logistics, mediators could travel to Arizona to conduct mediations in cases that would normally have been conducted by a magistrate judge, thereby freeing up some time for the District of Arizona's magistrate judges to focus on their caseload. Further, if this option becomes available, the district judges may suggest mediation to civil parties in cases not traditionally referred to mediation.