Time: 9:30am – 10:30am
Speaker: Prof. Michelle LeBaron
Title: Professor of Law and Distinguished Scholar in Residence, Peter A. Allard School of Law, University of British Columbia

Topic: Choreographies of Creativity: Mediators as Change Agents

Abstract: To realize its full potential, mediation must move beyond a focus only on assisting parties to reach agreement. Mediators can positively influence parties' ongoing relationships and even structural issues in their families or organizations when they think creatively about process design and conflict engagement. In this presentation, Professor LeBaron will draw on recent interdisciplinary research, diverse practice contexts and her book The Choreography of Conflict: Conflict, Movement and Neuroscience to discuss why creativity is a central resource in mediation, and the relationship between creativity and positive outcomes.

Time: 11:00am – 12:00nn
Speaker: Dr. Peter Reiner
Title: Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia National Core for Neuroethics

Topic: Moral Enhancement: Past, Present and Future

Abstract: Morality is the cornerstone of human sociality. In order to get along with each other, we have developed codes of conduct that are generally accepted to represent what might be termed proper behaviour. Using the lens of neuroethics and drawing upon insights from philosophy, neuroscience, evolutionary psychology, sociology, and cultural studies, I will review the means by which we have enhanced our moral prowess as a species. Along the way, I will pay particular attention to the ways that societies have widened the circle of moral concern, and conclude with speculations on the wisdom of using advanced technologies to enhance morality.

Time: 2:00pm – 2:45pm
Speaker: Dr. Shahla Ali
Title: Associate Professor, Faculty of Law, The University of Hong Kong

Topic: Encouragement in Mediation Practice – Individual and Collective Applications

Abstract: While encouragement is widely understood as a common practice in everyday life, its applications to individual and collective efforts at mediating resolution of civil justice conflicts requires further examination.  This presentation will examine research findings regarding the nature of encouragement and its applications at the individual and collective level.  It will then address recent findings regarding the impact of varying degrees of encouragement of mediated resolution in formal court settings in diverse contexts.

Time: 2:45pm – 3:30pm
Speaker: Prof. Leung Hing Fung
Title: Associate Professor, Department of Real Estate and Construction, The University of Hong Kong

Topic: The Development of Evaluative Mediation in Hong Kong

Abstract: For many years the major model of mediation practised in Hong Kong has been the facilitative model. Since the Civil Justice Reform in Hong Kong in 2009, the number of mediation cases in Hong Kong has increased rapidly largely as a result of Practice Direction No. 31. Over the many years users and mediators have accumulated their experience in mediation and a question has gradually emerged, which is, should facilitative model be the only mediation model available for use in Hong Kong?

The use of other approaches to mediation, such as evaluative, has drawn the attention of many users and practitioners. In 2015 and 2016, studies were carried out in relation to the use of evaluative mediation for disputes in a number of sectors in built environment. In 2016, the Department of Justice of the Government has organised a Seminar on "Assessing the Suitability of Evaluative Mediation to Resolve IP Disputes". In 2017, the Secretary for Justice has set up a Special Committee on Evaluative Mediation under the Steering Committee on Mediation.

This presentation will include an introduction to the background in the use of facilitative mediation in Hong Kong; the situation of the demand and use of evaluative mediation in the sectors of built environment; the possible issues arising from the inclusion of evaluative mediation in the current framework and the necessary support in training, accreditation and the practice. It is hoped that the presentation could bring benefits to mediators, practitioners and academics.

Time: 4:15pm – 5:00pm
Speaker: Prof. Dennis Wong
Title: Professor of Criminology & Social Work, City University of Hong Kong
Topic: Restorative justice in Chinese Communities: Current Practices and Challenges
Abstract: Over the past few decades, programmes based on the principles of Restorative justice (RJ) have been developed in response to the failures of traditional justice, which could not satisfy victims or reduce re-offending. We observed different methods of RJ practices developed to help offenders, especially juvenile delinquents, take responsibility for their criminal acts and appropriately repair the consequences of their actions. In the Greater China region, including jurisdictions such as Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Mainland China, restorative justice also grew rapidly with the emergence of new intervention models, standards and skills in school initiatives, family welfare, and criminal justice. With case illustration, this paper discusses restorative goals, strategies, and skills central to restorative practice in three Chinese communities. The article offers a window into the specific developments of a range of restorative practices in Chinese communities and analyzes that some culture-specific principles and skills are essential elements for the success of restorative practice.