LAW 7015 :
Dispute Resolution

The study of dispute resolution in the first-year curriculum focuses primarily on conventional judicial decision-making. Yet, the reality of dispute resolution is very few trials and a menu of alternatives available to disputing parties. This course offers an overview of such alternative dispute resolution (ADR) processes, focusing on negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and other alternatives. It examines these forms of dispute resolution in the context of different areas of the law and the judicial system. Critical evaluation of each process - including its advantages and disadvantages compared to litigation - will occur through a combination of assigned readings, roleplay exercises, videos, and hypos. In addition, there will be discussion of the role of the lawyer in each of these processes and of the policy and social implications of resort to these processes.

Students will be evaluated on the basis of participation, two short assignments, and a final examination.

This course is offered on an every other year basis.

Exam info: Exam administered during exam period.