Which term is the umbrella category for resolving disputes outside full-scale litigation, including arbitration and mediation?

• A. Alternative dispute resolution (ADR)
• B. Arbitration
• C. Summary jury trials
• D. Mediation

Answer: (A)

Alternative Dispute Resolution is the umbrella category for resolving disputes outside full-scale litigation. It includes methods like arbitration and mediation, which are designed to settle grievances without going to court. Arbitration involves a neutral arbitrator who renders a binding decision after hearing the case, while mediation is a facilitated negotiation where a mediator helps the parties reach a voluntary settlement. ADR is typically faster, less costly, and more flexible than court litigation. Summary jury trials are a pretrial, court-involved procedure and do not represent the broad non-litigation framework that ADR covers.