Is a mediator the same as a judge?
General Mediation
Answer
No. A judge has legal authority to rule on motions, determine legal issues, conduct trials, enter orders, and issue judgments. A mediator ordinarily has no power to decide the dispute. The mediator helps the parties negotiate their own resolution. If mediation fails, the case generally returns to the normal litigation or arbitration process.
Reviewed by Wayne Lazarus on September 15, 2026.
This information is educational and is not legal advice.
Reviewed by Wayne H. Lazarus, attorney with more than 50 years’ experience, member of the State Bar of Georgia and The Florida Bar, and of Alternative Dispute Resolution sections.