What is arbitration?

Arbitration is a form of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), which provides parties in a dispute with a way to resolve their issues outside of the traditional court system. This process involves the parties agreeing to submit their conflict to an impartial third party, known as an arbitrator, who listens to the evidence, considers the arguments presented, and then makes a binding decision.

The key features of arbitration include confidentiality, the ability for parties to choose their arbitrator, and potentially a quicker resolution than what might be experienced in court. Arbitration is often used in myriad contexts, such as commercial disputes, labor disputes, and consumer matters, making it a versatile and efficient means of resolving conflicts.

Other options, such as negotiation, judicial review, and criminal trial procedures, do not accurately describe arbitration. While negotiation is a different method of resolving disagreements, it does not involve a neutral third party making a binding decision. Judicial review pertains to the power of courts to examine the actions of public bodies for legality, while criminal trial procedures relate specifically to the prosecution of offenses against the state. Therefore, recognizing arbitration as a form of Alternative Dispute Resolution captures its essence and functional role in legal practice.