Mediation and other alternative dispute resolution methods: An analysis

Internationally, the use of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) is becoming standard in disputes between nation-states, and more applications are continually being discovered. In the U.S.A., the use of ADR--particularly mediation--has also increased significantly in recent decades, and will continue to grow. An examination of the ADR methods available and the issues affecting their use is necessary to understand ADR's growth. This growth is measurable by examining increases in the number of ADR programs, funding levels and caseloads nationwide. These increases, however, highlight problems facing ADR and create the need for a "master plan" to direct further ADR development. Alternative dispute resolution providers must work with regulators to create nationwide standards governing the use of ADR and resolve discrepancies between states' ADR laws to ensure ADR's continued growth. In the international arena, many aspects of the master plan should be applied to promoting greater ADR use.