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Consumer Dispute Resolution - Exploring the Alternatives

NCJ Number
91236
Editor(s)
L Ray, D Smolover
Date Published
1983
Length
662 pages
Annotation
Thirty-eight papers on alternative dispute resolution in consumer cases focus on model programs; research and evaluation of consumer dispute resolution; legal issues in dispute resolution; business and trade association, independent, community and court-sponsored, and government programs; and dispute resolution in the auto industry.
Abstract
Four papers on the nature of the problem and basic approaches to it discuss the characteristics of a model mechanism for resolving consumer disputes, factors that should be considered by the private sector, and a consumer's view of third-party mechanisms. Several model programs are described, including a conciliation service for resolving tenant-landlord disputes, the appliance industry's solution to consumer disputes, a program undertaken by a coalition of corporation counsels, utility consumer mediation and arbitration in Pennsylvania, and consumer arbitration in a recession. Additional papers focus on minor dispute processing, nonjudicial dispute resolution mechanisms, dispute resolution in the funeral service industry, small claims court in California, negotiation, and Internal Revenue Service dispute resolution. Tables, chapter notes and reference lists, and 350 references are provided. For separate papers, please see NCJ 91237-41.