What is a characteristic of mediation compared to traditional litigation?

Mediation is indeed characterized by being generally quicker and less formal than traditional litigation. This is primarily because mediation focuses on dialogue and negotiation between the parties, facilitated by a neutral third party (the mediator), rather than the structured courtroom procedures that occur in litigation. The aim of mediation is to reach a mutually agreeable solution in a more relaxed setting, which often leads to faster resolutions and more flexible outcomes.

In contrast, traditional litigation follows a prescribed legal process that involves formalities such as filing motions, having hearings, and potentially going to trial before a judge or jury. This process can be lengthy and burdensome, often taking months or years to reach a resolution, depending on the complexity of the case.

Thus, the significant distinction lies in the nature of the processes: mediation is designed to encourage collaboration and settlement in a time-efficient manner, whilst traditional litigation adheres to a more rigid framework that can prolong dispute resolution.