• Law -> Civil and Commercial Law

• 0 Comment

What impact does alternative dispute resolution have on the legal system as a whole?

Benjamin Wastell

Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) refers to ways of solving conflicts outside of court, such as through negotiation, mediation or arbitration. These methods are becoming more popular because they are often faster and less expensive than going to court. But how do they impact the legal system?

ADR can have a big impact on the legal system as a whole. Here are some of the ways ADR can affect the system:

- It can reduce the burden on courts. When people use ADR to resolve conflicts, they often don't need to go to court. This means that courts can focus on more complex cases that require a judge's time and attention.

- It can increase access to justice. Because ADR is often cheaper and faster than going to court, it can help people who might not otherwise be able to afford legal help. This means that more people can have their conflicts resolved fairly.

- It can lead to more satisfaction with the legal system. Because ADR often involves finding solutions that work for all parties involved, it can result in more satisfaction with the outcome than going to court and having a judge make a decision for you.

- It can help preserve relationships. Going to court often creates a win-lose scenario, which can damage relationships between parties. ADR methods like mediation or negotiation can help parties find solutions that work for both of them, preserving their relationship.

Overall, ADR can have a positive impact on the legal system by reducing the burden on courts, increasing access to justice, leading to more satisfaction with the outcome, and preserving relationships. It's important for people to understand their options for resolving conflicts and to consider using ADR when appropriate.