30 October 2008
A scheme that offers people a quick, simple and free alternative to a court hearing has won the 2008 international Crystal Scales of Justice award given by the European Commission and Council of Europe.
The Small Claims Mediation Service, run by Her Majesty's Courts Service, beat 37 other applications from 15 European countries put forward to the secretariats of the European Commission for the Efficiency of Justice CEPEJ (Council of Europe).
Justice Minister Bridget Prentice said:
'Civil mediation gives people involved in a dispute a satisfactory way of reaching an agreement between them without recourse to the courts.
'I would like to congratulate all those involved in making this project a success and a model service for our European Union civil justice partners to follow.'
The award recognises innovative practices contributing to the quality of civil justice in member states.
The other projects short listed for the prize were:
- The Barreau de Paris, France (mobile bus offering access to justice to the poor)
- Court of Milan, Italy (e-justice system)
- Ministry of Justice, Turkey (e-justice system).
Note to editors
1. The Crystal Scales of Justice is awarded every two years and is open to all 47 countries in Europe to submit entries.
2. The European Commission for the Efficiency of Justice was established in 2002. The aim of the CEPEJ is the improvement of the efficiency and functioning of justice in the member states, and the development of the implementation of the instruments adopted by the Council of Europe.
3. The mediation service has been in operation for just over a year and covers all HMCS areas in England and Wales.
4. To date the service has conducted almost 7,000 mediations with a settlement rate of 68%. The very high customer satisfaction rate is also testament to its popularity and effectiveness.
5. For more information, please contact Ministry of Justice Press Office on 020 3334 3536.