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Dispute resolution

society Maturity 11-13 Next article →

Sometimes people or groups have big fights. This is called a dispute. People need ways to fix these fights. This is called dispute resolution.

One way to fix a fight is to talk. This is a consensual process. People try to reach an agreement together. They might use a mediator. A mediator is a person who helps people talk. They might also use negotiation. This is when people talk to find a way forward.

Another way is to use a judge. This is called litigation. It is a very formal way to settle things. A judge or a jury looks at the facts. They then make a choice. This choice is binding. This means people must follow the rule. In the United States, courts help with this.

Some people choose a different way. They use alternative dispute resolution, or ADR. This can include arbitration. In arbitration, an arbitrator makes the choice. ADR can be faster than a court. It can also cost less money. Many businesses use these ways to settle fights. Half of all international agreements use a way to settle disputes.

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