NCJ Number
93010
Journal
University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform Volume: 16 Issue: 3 Dated: (Spring 1983) Pages: 537-548
Date Published
1983
Length
12 pages
Annotation
The study describes the operation and goals of court-annexed arbitration as an alternative method of dispute resolution, focusing on what actual experience with court-annexed arbitration has been and reporting data from a recent empirical study by the Federal Judicial Center.
Abstract
The principal advantage of court-annexed arbitration is the large number of adjudicators it makes available to supplement judges. The increase supply of adjudicators reduces delay and brings the day of threatened adjudication closer, promoting arbitration for early settlement. The Federal Judicial Center study of court-annexed arbitration in the Northern District of California and the Eastern District of Pennsylvania found that referral of cases to arbitration reduced the number of trials by approximately 50 percent. Arbitration can shorten the court elasped time from filing to termination, and the savings can be dramatic. To realize this potential, judges and clerks of court must monitor the programs and introduce corrective action where appropriate. In addition a program of court-annexed arbitration requires that susbtantial costs be paid from public funds. A properly administered arbitration program can speed disposition and reduce the expense of litigation; without affecting the quality of justice. Forty-one references are supplied.