A “referee” is a special type of court-appointed individual that mediates or oversees various types of legal disputes. Referees are used in countless types of legal proceedings, whether it is civil or criminal. Their main purpose is to ensure that parties involved in a dispute get a fair and impartial hearing. As such, a referee may be appointed to oversee proceedings such as arbitration proceedings, small claims hearings, property disputes, and much more.
How Referees Are Selected
Generally, a referee is selected either by agreement of the parties involved in the dispute, or by a court order. When either route is chosen, the referee is usually chosen for their relevant qualifications- such as their knowledge of the relevant area of law or their prior experience in resolved similar disputes. If the parties cannot agree on a referee, then the court will appoint one for them.
The Role of a Referee
Referees are tasked with conducting the legal proceedings that take place in a dispute. This includes investigations, interviewing witnesses, gathering evidence, and ensuring the laws of the court are followed. Referees have the power to make decisions based on the evidence they find or the law that applies to the case. Depending upon the nature of the dispute, the referee’s decision could be binding, meaning any parties that do not comply with the decision could be held in contempt of court.
Examples of Referees in Action
Referees are increasingly being used in modern times to settle disputes, particularly in the business world. For instance, in the case of contract disputes, two parties may opt to hire a referee to make a ruling on their dispute in-lieu of filing a suit in court. In this circumstance, the referee may oversee a hearing and compile evidence to make a decision. They can also provide a more cost-effective and faster alternative to formal litigation- a significant advantage for businesses.
The Benefits of Hiring a Referee
By having a referee handle a dispute, both parties are able to have their side heard with the assistance of a qualified and impartial individual. The referee can also provide a favorable outcome quicker than courtroom proceedings. This can help the two parties to avoid a long and costly legal battle in court, which offers greater peace of mind for everyone involved.
In Summary: What Does Referee Mean?
A referee is a court-appointed individual who mediates or oversees certain legal disputes. Referees are usually selected by agreement of the parties involved or through a court order, and their role is to ensure everyone gets a fair and impartial hearing. Increasingly, referees are used in modern times to settle disputes, providing a more cost-effective and faster alternative to formal litigation.