RATIONALE

Effective dispute resolution is a very significant aspect of the management of cases undertaken by lawyers. This module introduces a range of dispute resolution mechanisms to students new to the subject of law. The module explores the nature and development of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and the intersections with formal litigation. Students will be able to evaluate the principles, procedures and impact of particular types of dispute resolution. The module provides opportunities to apply techniques of dispute resolution, including the use of litigation, mediation, arbitration and negotiated settlements. These mechanisms also need to be understood within wider ethical, social, political, economic and policy contexts. The module examines the function and effectiveness of ADR drawing on theoretical and empirical literature. 

AIMS

Students will:

• Examine the concept and development of dispute resolution methods in law. 
• Evaluate forms of dispute resolution in appropriate contexts. 
• Apply dispute resolution mechanisms in areas of civil law. 

LEARNING OUTCOMES

On successful completion of this module, a student will be able to: 

1. Examine the concept and development of dispute resolution.
2. Evaluate the use of litigation and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) within the resolution of legal disputes.
3. Apply appropriate dispute resolution mechanisms to factual scenarios.
4. Identify the procedural issues and apply the relevant rules to resolve factual problems.