지방자치단체 상호간의 분쟁조정기능 강화를 위한 법제정비방향

Cooperative Resolution of Intergovernmental Disputes

Since reviving of local governments autonomy we are facing increased intergovernmental disputes. Conflicts between or among local governments are major source (and also result) of highly confrontational nature of our society. More effective and productive resolution of conflicts requires diverse solutions depending on the characteristics of disputes. An important distinction among intergovernmental disputes is one between disputes pertinent to legal adjudication approach and disputes pertinent to consensus building approach through the parties participation. When there is no determinate legal standard applicable to a disputed situation, or there are too diverse values or interests related to the dispute, consensus-building approach through dialogue and deliberation among parties is more appropriate than legal adjudication approach. The characteristics of inter-local governments disputes are as follows: (1) The disputes between local governments are often polycentric rather than bicentric. There are many parties, residents groups, departments of central governments, and national interest groups having their own priorities of values or interests. (2) Many of the intergovernmental disputes are NIMBY or PIMFY disputes, in the center of which are the distribution of economic benefits and costs among local governments. Very often the most appropriate solution for the conflict of economic interests are negotiation and contractual settlement among parties, not adjudication. (3) In many cases of local governments disputes central government is not neutral decision-maker. Because of such characteristics of local governments dispute the present dispute resolution institution based on “Local Government Act” are only partly valid solution. To improve the dispute resolution abilities of the system, I suggest; (1) adopting case management system to decide appropriate method depending on the characteristics of individual dispute; (2) diversifying dispute resolution methods(negotiation, mediation etc.); (3) making and preserving a list of neutral mediators specialized in dispute resolution; and (4) making a open process stimulating more participation of non-governmental parties.