> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.joint.exchange/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.joint.exchange/concepts/dispute-resolution/incentives-and-penalties.md). # Incentives & Penalties ## Incentives As a public utility, anyone can become a mediator of the Joint Protocol, helping to solve disputes. However, mediators spend time and money to perform these duties. On Joint protocol, the mediator role is incentivized. Joint will reward mediators to solve disputes and keep the protocol lively. ## Slashing The Joint protocol considers the mediator critical to the protocol's success, as such irresponsible behaviours, mistakes, or incompetence will not be tolerated. To reduce misbehaviours, the protocol causes economic loss to mediators who are not following the rules by burning a fraction of the security bond associated with their ticket. There are two situations where a mediator's security deposit is slashed: * A fraction of the mediator's security deposit is slashed when a drafted mediator does not vote for the majority verdict. * A drafted mediator will be slashed when they do not vote or complete all the vote procedures. Slashed security bonds will be burned - This will serve as a deflationary mechanism for the native token. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.joint.exchange/concepts/dispute-resolution/incentives-and-penalties.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.