Scholars International Journal of Law, Crime and Justice (SIJLCJ)
Volume-9 | Issue-07 | 261-268
Review Article
Transcending the Courtroom: An Appraisal of the Forms of Alternative Dispute Resolution in Contemporary Legal Systems
Adekanye Lekan OGUNMOYE, Taiye Joshua OMIDOYIN, Victor Ogunmoye
Published : July 3, 2026
Abstract
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) has emerged as a vital component of modern justice delivery systems worldwide. Dissatisfaction with the adversarial nature, cost, and delay of litigation has led to increased reliance on ADR mechanisms that emphasize party autonomy, confidentiality, and preservation of relationships. This paper examines the major forms of ADR, including negotiation, mediation, conciliation, arbitration, and hybrid processes such as med-arb and early neutral evaluation. It outlines the defining features, procedural frameworks, advantages, and limitations of each form. The paper argues that no single form of ADR is universally superior. Rather, the choice depends on the nature of the dispute, the relationship between parties, and the desired outcome. It concludes that a clear understanding of the forms of ADR is essential for disputants, lawyers, and policymakers to promote access to justice and decongest formal courts. The paper recommends continuous legal education, institutional support, and harmonization of ADR processes with cultural realities to maximize their effectiveness.