Which of the following parties are not able to bind the parties in a legal dispute?

The correct answer is that a mediator is not able to bind the parties in a legal dispute. Mediators facilitate negotiation and discussion between parties to help them reach a voluntary agreement, but they do not have the authority to impose decisions or enforce resolutions. The role of a mediator is to assist in finding a mutually acceptable solution; therefore, any outcomes from mediation depend entirely on the agreement of the parties involved.

In contrast, an arbitrator is a neutral third party who has the authority to make binding decisions on disputes, so parties involved in arbitration must comply with the arbitrator's ruling. A judge, similarly, has the authority to make binding decisions within the court system, ensuring that legal disputes are resolved in accordance with the law.

The option indicating 'None of the above' implies that all listed parties can bind the parties in a dispute, which is incorrect because mediators cannot do so. Understanding these distinctions is crucial in legal contexts where dispute resolution methods vary in terms of authority and enforceability.