Professor Stephanie Blondell Presents "The Power of Apology: Advancing Skills in Judicial Dispute Resolution" -- The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law

Professor Stephanie Blondell presented "The Power of Apology: Advancing Skills in Judicial Dispute Resolution" at The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law. The presentation was part of a mediation skills workshop for federal judges that took place on June 1-4. The program equips federal judges with the skills to support their settlement and dispute resolution programs.

From The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law:

The Power of Apology: Advancing Skills in Judicial Dispute Resolution

This session explores the psychological and strategic dynamics of apologies within court-annexed mediation and settlement conferences. While a sincere apology can dismantle cognitive barriers and de-escalate emotional gridlock, the legal framework (including FRE 804) often incentivizes silence. Furthermore, structuring an effective apology in the context of litigation is rarely intuitive. Through interactive discussion, federal judges will learn to recognize, facilitate, and manage apologies to safely support their dispute resolution programs while strictly maintaining judicial impartiality and confidentiality.