While many people have heard of a hostile work environment, the inmates that the New Jersey Department of Corrections were subjected to a hostile living environment while inmates suffered sexual abuse and harassment.
This case is making headlines for a $20.8 million dollar settlement including $9.9 million to victims of sexual assault at the Mahan Correctional Center for women, and another $8 million to women who were previously harassed and assaulted.
This case was settled at a mediation with a former United States Magistrate Judge. Mediation is a process which allows parties to speak separately with an unbiased third party in attempts to bring the parties closer to resolution while considering the facts and evidence that can be set forth at trial. While mediation can be unsuccessful, it can also lead to great results, as in this case.