A "sanction" can be the consequence of an unreasonable refusal to mediate in the Commercial Court
Stevens & Bolton, an independent UK law firm, write that the High Court ruled that while an unreasonable refusal to mediate can be a factor in cost awards, it does not automatically result in severe sanctions, as seen in Paul Richards v Speechly Bircham LLP. The decision highlights the court’s broad discretion in cost assessments, reinforcing that parties should engage in mediation to avoid potential financial consequences but that a refusal alone does not guarantee a punitive outcome.