Final answer:
The purpose of an informal conference is to attempt to settle disputes before they escalate to a contested case hearing, which saves time and resources by potentially avoiding a formal court trial. The correct option is 2) To attempt to resolve the issue without it going to a contested case hearing
Step-by-step explanation:
One purpose of an informal conference is to attempt to resolve the issue without it going to a contested case hearing. This kind of meeting allows for a discussion and potential resolution of the matter at hand in a less formal setting than a court trial.
It can be a critical step in the legal or administrative process, providing a forum for the parties to express their views, negotiate, and possibly settle the dispute, thus reducing the need for a more formal and expensive litigation process. These conferences may occur in various contexts such as in legal proceedings, regulatory enforcement actions, or in resolving workplace or employment disputes. The correct option is 2) To attempt to resolve the issue without it going to a contested case hearing