Section TCT.04.01 — Purpose & Construction

(a) These rules are meant to provide formal support, structure and enforcement to traditional Mohican methods of resolving disputes through mediation and the use of traditional ways.

(b) These rules shall be interpreted liberally and informally with the goal of providing a fair, informal, inexpensive and traditional means of resolving disputes. The rules shall be used and applied in as close an accordance with Mohican tradition and custom as possible.

(c) The guiding principles for the Peacemaker System are as follows:

(1) HARMONY PRINCIPLE

Positive relationships between parties are valuable and should be preserved.

(2) NON-COERCION PRINCIPLE

The most constructive way to preserve a positive relationship and settle a dispute is through the voluntary participation of the parties and not through the use of force from an outside source.

(3) COMMUNITY HEALTH PRINCIPLE

The health of the community at large depends on recognizing the connectedness of all things and the responsibility that we all have to each other.

(4) SACRED JUSTICE PRINCIPLE

Sacred justice is found when the importance of restoring understanding and balance to relationships has been acknowledged.