The term alternative dispute resolution (ADR) means any procedure, agreed to by the parties of a dispute, in which they use the services of a neutral party to assist them in reaching agreement and avoiding litigation. Types of ADR include arbitration, mediation, negotiated rulemaking, neutral factfinding, and minitrials. With the exception of binding arbitration, the goal of ADR is to provide a forum for the parties to work toward a voluntary, consensual agreement, as opposed to having a judge or other authority decide the case.
In addition to serving as a potential means of avoiding the expense, delay, and uncertainty associated with traditional litigation, ADR also is intended as a vehicle for improving communication between the parties. ADR provides a forum for creative solutions to disputes that better meet the needs of the parties.
Webpages on this Topic:
Department of the Air Force Alternative Dispute Resolution Website - Introduces users to the Air Force's ADR program, its initiatives, and successes. This award-winning site was designed to be a comprehensive resource for ADR by creating a library of links and ADR information from the Air Force, other federal government departments, and private organizations. Useful to practitioners, researchers, and individuals unfamiliar with ADR and/or its application in the federal government in general.
Laws on this Topic
Administrative Dispute Resolution Act of 1996 - Pub. Law 101-552 and Pub. Law 102-354 as amended by Pub. Law 104-320.
Regulations on this Topic
20 CFR §627.805 - Alternative dispute resolution.
