neutral third party
Unbiased outside observer
A neutral third party is someone uninvolved in a dispute who can mediate, arbitrate, or verify without bias.
The term appears in legal contexts, contract negotiations, and conflict resolution: The funds will be held by a neutral third party until both sides fulfill their obligations.
The phrase emphasizes both independence from the disputants and impartiality toward the outcome.
- arbitratorOne who resolves disputes
- binding arbitrationLegally enforceable private judgment
- conciliatorOne who restores harmony
- judgeOne who decides
- mediatorNeutral conflict resolver
conflict resolution · facilitator · peace talks · magistrate · Switzerland · escrow · umpire · peacekeeper · referee · intermediary · middle man · ombudsman · adjudicator · honest broker · go-between · jury foreperson · negotiator · moderator
- workplace disciplinedisciplinary action, disciplinary hearing, disciplinary record, disciplinary review, corrective action
- restorative justicerestorative justice, healing circle, restorative practices, healing circles, peacemaking
neutral third partystakeholder
Party with an interest
vested interest · partisan · advocate · beneficiary · investor