For the source text click/tap here: Sanhedrin 6
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When two litigants come before the court, what is the best approach? Should the judges insist on hearing the case and deciding it based on the straightforward reading of the law, or should they offer arbitration and try to reach some level of agreement and accommodation?
The Gemora discusses the halachos of p’sharah (a compromise or a settlement that is reached between the two litigants). The Shulchan Aruch (Choshen Mishpat 12:2) praises the Batei Dinim that routinely settle disputes rather than judging them.
The rabbis then discuss differences between judgement, compromise, and mediation.
We explore mediation compromise and ayin tova.