Jargonbuster - Alternative Dispute Resolution ADR

What does it mean? The first thing to say about Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is that both parties in the dispute must agree to it before it can be explored. ADR is defined as a collective description for methods of resolving a dispute other than going to trial. 

 

The different types of ADR include round table negotiation, mediation, conciliation, early neutral evaluation, arbitration or judicial determination. ADR can remove the combative nature of litigation which invariably consumes court time and drives up costs.