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Alternative Means of Resolving Disputes

15 January, 2016 - 09:29

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

  1. Understand how arbitration and mediation are frequently used alternatives to litigation.
  2. Describe the differences between arbitration and mediation.
  3. Explain why arbitration is final and binding.

Disputes do not have to be settled in court. No law requires parties who have a legal dispute to seek judicial resolution if they can resolve their disagreement privately or through some other public forum. In fact, the threat of a lawsuit can frequently motivate parties toward private negotiation. Filing a lawsuit may convince one party that the other party is serious. Or the parties may decide that they will come to terms privately rather than wait the three or four years it can frequently take for a case to move up on the court calendar.