NCJ Number
133387
Date Published
1990
Length
0 pages
Annotation
This video profiles the "multi-door courthouse" concept as it is applied in civil proceedings under the District of Columbia Superior Court.
Abstract
Initially, Frank Sander of the Harvard Law School, who first developed the concept of the "multi-door courthouse," explains that it involves the screening of all persons who seek dispute resolution in an official forum. Disputants are then guided to the forum most appropriate for the efficient and effective resolution of their case. The video then portrays this concept as it is applied by the District of Columbia Superior Court. Chief Judge Fred Ugast describes the court's Civil Delay Reduction Program which introduces alternative dispute resolution into the civil process. Alternatives to full trial include mediation, arbitration, neutral case evaluation, and summary trial. Each civil case is assessed by a team of Superior Court judges and attorneys. The team recommendation for alternative dispute resolution is discussed at the initial conference with the disputants. The video portrays team discussion about the appropriate forums for two civil cases, one involving alleged employment discrimination and one involving alleged medical malpractice.