Mediation, Peace, and Reconciliation: Alternative Dispute Resolution Approaches with a Jurisprudential and Judicial Perspective, and a Comparative Study of Iran and Germany
Subject Areas : حقوق جزا و جرم شناسی
1 - Department of Judicial Sciences, Faculty of Law and Judicial Sciences, University of Judicial Sciences and Administrative Services, Tehran, Iran
Keywords: Mediation, Iranian legal system, German legal system, criminal law, cooperation, right of priority.,
Abstract :
This article examines the concepts of mediation, peace, and reconciliation within the framework of Islamic law and jurisprudence. Mediation is introduced as an alternative dispute resolution method in which a neutral third party assists the conflicting parties in reaching a solution through meetings and dialogue. Compared to traditional litigation methods, mediation offers advantages such as lower costs, confidentiality, and time savings. Additionally, mediation can act as a preventative measure for future disputes and facilitate negotiations in contracts. The section on peace and reconciliation defines crime and its types, including offenses that are pardoned (forgivable) and those that are non-pardoned (non-forgivable). Forgivable crimes are those that depend on the complaint of the private party, and prosecution ceases upon the victim’s pardon. In contrast, non-forgivable crimes are public offenses, and the victim’s forgiveness does not affect prosecution. The article then examines mediation in Imāmī jurisprudence, with a focus on the concepts of “iṣlāḥ dhāt al-bayn” (reconciliation between people) and “shafā‘ah” (intercession). In Islamic jurisprudence, mediation is most commonly framed as shafā‘ah, where a third party seeks to create peace and reconciliation between the disputants. However, mediation, in cases where a ruler is involved as one of the parties, is prohibited within the limits of ḥadd (prescribed punishments). Finally, the article explores the differences between mediation and reconciliation, examining these concepts from the perspective of German law. While the two concepts share similarities, they also have differences in their practical applications. For instance, the role of a conciliator may be more active than that of a mediator. Overall, the text emphasizes the importance of mediation and peace efforts in resolving conflicts, reducing social tensions, and strengthening relationships. The Qur'an and Islamic narrations also stress the importance of striving for peace and reconciliation among individuals.
