The legal clinic for mediation and arbitration in the civil and familiy sphere: an alternative space for teaching law in Cuba
Keywords:
legal clinic, mediation, arbitration, legal educationAbstract
Introduction: The 2019 Cuban Constitution recognizes the right of individuals to resolve disputes through alternative dispute resolution methods, which has led to legislative changes such as the Family Code (2022) and Decree-Law No. 69 on Mediation (2023). This new regulatory framework demands changes in legal education in Cuba, moving beyond the traditional litigation-centered model to incorporate training in mediation and arbitration. The objective of this study is to develop a proposal for a legal clinic focused on mediation and arbitration in civil and family law as an alternative method for teaching law. Materials and methods: A qualitative empirical research approach was employed, using theoretical methods (analysis-synthesis, inductive-deductive reasoning), empirical methods (documentary analysis), and legal methods (legal theory and comparative law). Experiences of legal clinics in Spain, Chile, and Ecuador were analyzed. Results: The "Legal Clinic for Civil and Family Mediation and Arbitration" is proposed under a mixed model of legal literacy, counseling, and public interest. Students would develop skills to work as mediators and arbitrators, promote a culture of peace, provide free consultations, and conduct research on the feasibility of civil and family arbitration in Cuba. Discussion: The Law curriculum does not sufficiently address training in alternative dispute resolution methods. Therefore, it is suggested that specific skills be incorporated to train mediators and arbitrators with a humanistic approach. Legal clinics allow for practical learning with social commitment, contributing to access to justice and the protection of rights. Conclusions: Cuban legislative reforms require the use of the clinical method to create training spaces in civil and family mediation and arbitration, developing professional competencies based on the concepts of social justice and human rights.
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