ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION

alternative dispute resolution.A procedure for settling a dispute by means other than litigation,

such  as  arbitra-tion  or  mediation.  —  Abbr.  ADR.  —  Also  termed  dispute  resolution.  See

ARBITRATION; MEDIATION. [Cases: Arbitration    1. C.J.S. Arbitration §§ 2–3.]

“ADR can be defined as encompassing all legally permitted processes of  dispute resolution

other than litigation. While this definition (or something like it) is widely used, ADR proponents

may object to it on the ground that it privileges litigation by giving the impression that litigation is

the  normal  or  standard  process  of  dispute  resolution,  while  alternative  processes are  aberrant or

deviant. That impression is false. Litigation is a relatively rarely used process of dispute resolution.

Alternative  processes,  especially  negotiation,  are  used  far  more  frequently.  Even  disputes

involving  lawyers  are  resolved  by  negotiation  far  more  often  than  litigation.  So  ADR  is  not

defined as everything-but-litigation because litigation is the norm. Litigation is not the norm. ADR

is defined as every-thing-but-litigation because litigation, as a matter of law, is the default process

of dispute resolution.” Stephen J. Ware, Alternative Dispute Resolution § 1.5, at 5–6 (2001). [Blacks Law 8th]