NCJ Number
100831
Journal
Ohio State Journal on Dispute Resolution Volume: 1 Issue: 1 Dated: (Fall 1985) Pages: 7-54
Date Published
1985
Length
48 pages
Annotation
This paper surveys the American Bar Association's (ABA) development of experimental multidoor courthouse centers which offer both intake screening and an array of dispute resolution services under the same roof.
Abstract
Following a brief history of the alternative dispute resolution movement, the article describes the multidoor courthouse's objectives and the ABA's three pilot program sites: Tulsa, Okla.; Houston, Tex.; and the District of Columbia. A training model for developing conflict identification skills in intake specialists is reviewed, with attention to how the issues of conflict, communication, stress, and perception arise during an intake interview. The paper describes the ABA's ongoing assessment effort to test whether dispute cases are being referred to appropriate dispute resolution forums in the community. The evaluation results will guide the program's second phase, developing or remodeling dispute resolution mechanisms. A discussion of issues facing the multidoor center concept addresses ways to accommodate the variable of motive, organizing various dispute resolution mechanisms, and the locus of control. The appendixes include evaluation matrixes for the sites, a glossary, intake guidelines, a sample intake dialog, and caseload statistics. 71 footnotes.