§ 7A-38.5. Community mediation centers. - North Carolina Statutes

§ 7A‑38.5. Community mediation centers.

(a)        The General Assembly finds that it is in the public interestto encourage the establishment of community mediation centers, also known asdispute settlement centers or dispute resolution centers, to support the workof these centers in facilitating communication, understanding, reconciliation,and settlement of conflicts in communities, courts, and schools, and to promotethe widest possible use of these centers by the courts and law enforcementofficials across the State.

(b)        Community mediation centers, functioning as or withinnonprofit organizations and local governmental entities, may receive referralsfrom courts, law enforcement agencies, and other public entities for thepurpose of facilitating communication, understanding, reconciliation, andsettlement of conflicts.

(c)        Each chief district court judge and district attorney shallencourage mediation for any criminal district court action pending in thedistrict when the judge and district attorney determine that mediation is anappropriate alternative.

(d)        Each chief district court judge shall encourage mediationfor any civil district court action pending in the district when the judgedetermines that mediation is an appropriate alternative. (1999‑354, s. 1.)