Legal Definitions - separate caucus

Definition: A separate caucus is a confidential mediation session that a mediator holds with an individual party to elicit settlement offers and demands. The mediator typically shuttles between the two (or more) sides of a dispute to communicate offers and demands.

Example: During a legal dispute, a mediator may hold separate caucuses with each party involved to better understand their positions and help facilitate a settlement. The mediator will keep the information shared in the separate caucus confidential from the other party.

Explanation: A separate caucus is a way for a mediator to gather information and negotiate with each party individually. This allows for more open communication and can help the mediator find common ground between the parties. The confidentiality of the separate caucus also allows each party to share their true thoughts and feelings without fear of retaliation or judgment from the other party.