Describe one difference between conciliation and arbitration as dispute resolution methods. - VCE - SSCE Legal Studies - Question 2 - 2014 - Paper 1

One key difference between conciliation and arbitration is the binding nature of the outcome reached by the parties.

In conciliation, the agreement reached is usually non-binding, meaning that the parties are not legally obligated to follow it. In contrast, arbitration results in a binding decision made by the arbitrator, which the parties must comply with, as it carries the same weight as a court ruling. Therefore, while conciliation encourages cooperative resolution without enforceable results, arbitration provides a definitive and enforceable resolution.