Legal Definitions - separate caucus

A separate caucus refers to a private meeting held by one party or a subgroup of participants during a larger negotiation, mediation, or dispute resolution process. It allows that specific group to step away from the main discussion to confer privately, strategize, discuss proposals, clarify their position, or address internal disagreements without the presence of the other parties involved.

Here are some examples to illustrate this concept:

• Business Acquisition Negotiation: Imagine two companies, Alpha Corp and Beta Inc, are negotiating the terms of Alpha Corp acquiring Beta Inc. During a joint meeting where lawyers, financial advisors, and executives from both sides are present, Beta Inc's CEO might say, "We need a moment to caucus." They would then retreat to a separate room with their team to privately discuss Alpha Corp's latest offer, weigh its pros and cons, and decide on their counter-proposal or next steps, without Alpha Corp's representatives present. This private meeting is a separate caucus for Beta Inc.

• Divorce Mediation: In a mediation session for a divorcing couple, Sarah and Mark, who are trying to agree on asset division and child custody, the mediator might notice that Sarah is becoming visibly upset and withdrawn. The mediator could then suggest, "Sarah, would you like to have a separate caucus with me for a few minutes?" Sarah would then meet privately with the mediator in another room to express her concerns, fears, or specific needs without Mark present, allowing her to regain composure and clarify her position before rejoining the joint discussion. This private discussion between Sarah and the mediator is a separate caucus.

• Community Planning Meeting: A local city council is holding a public meeting to discuss a controversial proposal for a new housing development. Various community groups are present, including environmental activists, local business owners, and current residents. After a heated debate, the group of environmental activists might request a "separate caucus" to consolidate their arguments, decide on a unified spokesperson, and refine their strategy for opposing or modifying the development plan. They would step aside to a different area or room to hold this private discussion among themselves, away from the other community members and city council representatives. This internal meeting is a separate caucus for the environmental group.