The Revolution You Won't See on TV: It may not make for good drama, but mediation is changing the face of the American legal system.

Publication: Newsweek

Publication Date: 25-NOV-02

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Byline: Jeff Rasley

The plaintiff and I stand at the counsel table as the black-robed judge intones, "Madam Foreman, has the jury reached a verdict?" A hush descends upon the courtroom. We have waited a long time for this moment--two years for the trial date followed by three days of testimony and argument. The litigants and the state have already spent a great deal of money for expert witnesses, court reporters, legal fees, court costs and jurors' compensation.

The verdict is pronounced, and my client wins the case. The judge releases the jurors, the other attorney shoots me a resentful look as he grabs his briefcase, and the defendant mutters obscenities under his breath.

Scenes like that one were once...

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