Dealing with the court system often means having to endure protracted and expensive procedures and as a result alternative means of resolving disputes are increasingly important ? not just to ensure that disputes are settled fairly and justly, but to also relieve pressure on the court system. Aimed at senior level students of legal studies, this program outlines a range of alternative dispute resolutions, how they work, their suitability for different situations and their effectiveness. Mediation, negotiation, arbitration and collaborative approaches to law are examined in detail as alternative means of resolving disputes, and a range of areas where disputes commonly surface are explored ? including family, workplace, and property and consumer affairs. Lawyer, Catherine Gale, offers a variety of expert comments on various aspects covered. This program is a perfect introduction to the nature and mechanisms of alternative dispute resolution accessible to people every day. Chapters: 1. Introduction 2. What Is ADR and How Does It Work? 3. The ADR Process 4. Who Uses ADR and Why - Part One 5. Who Uses ADR and Why - Part Two 6. Effectiveness 7. Conclusion