helpyourneighbour/ISSUE-12.md

# Issue #12: Implement Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) for Dispute Endpoints

## Description
Implement role-based access control for dispute-related endpoints to ensure that only users with the appropriate roles can perform actions such as opening disputes, changing dispute status, and making final decisions.

## Acceptance Criteria
- [x] Middleware `requireRole` is implemented and tested
- [x] Dispute endpoints are protected by appropriate role checks
- [x] Integration tests verify role-based access control
- [x] Documentation of roles and permissions is updated

## Related Files
- `backend/src/middleware/requireRole.js`
- `backend/src/middleware/requireRole.test.js`
- `backend/src/dispute-flow/...` (to be implemented)
- `docs/roles-and-permissions.md`

## Notes
This issue builds upon the existing role-based access control implementation and focuses specifically on dispute-related functionality. The middleware should be used to protect endpoints in the dispute flow.