The Advantages of Alternative Dispute Resolution

Organizations often rely on the criminal justice system when it comes to settling a dispute. While this may sometimes be necessary, many disputes can be settled through alternative dispute resolution instead. Only the parties involved can determine whether or not a dispute will need to go to court, but the advantages of alternative dispute resolution should certainly be explored.

Civil rights disputes are difficult and emotional matters. Unfortunately, they are not uncommon. In fact, in the past year, one in three African Americans report experiencing discrimination. Also, 50% of African Americans say that they have experienced discrimination in the workplace or voting booth. When a civil rights dispute goes through the criminal justice system, it can be costly and time consuming for all parties involved. With alternative dispute resolution, costs are lower and settlements can be reached faster.

In addition to saving money and being faster, alternative dispute resolution helps the disputing parties to negotiate and reach their own resolutions. Mediation helps the parties involved to come up with creative solutions that will, ideally, stand the test of time. These kinds of solutions are especially important in environmental cases where long-term solutions are essential as we live in a society that has a great concern for environmental issues. So much so that over 40% of Americans worry about air quality, carbon emissions, tropospheric ozone, particulate matter, sulfur oxides, volatile organic compounds, radon, refrigerants, and methane emissions.

Another advantage of alternative dispute resolution is that it has many approaches to resolving disputes. Mediation is one strategy, but organizations also may find processes such as arbitration, neutral evaluation, and case conferencing to be more beneficial. Reputable alternative dispute resolution organizations with experienced judges on their team can guide your party in choosing the right steps to take to make sure that your dispute is resolved efficiently and effectively.