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An analysis of the theory and principles of alternative dispute resolution

The system of Alternative Dispute Resolution, commonly known as ADR, comprises
multiple informal processes. Traditional processes of negotiation, mediation and
arbitration are primary processes within the system of ADR. The elements of the primary
processes have been combined with one another or with those of public process to form
hybrid ADR processes original only to the system of ADR. These hybrid processes are:
rent-a-judge, the mini-trial, the summary jury trial, neutral evaluation and
mediation/arbitration. Under the auspices of ADR, derivative processes have also been
developed, such as expedited arbitration, documents-only arbitration, final-offer
arbitration and quality arbitration.
Each process is distinct and separate, having its own unique form, function and method
of transforming a dispute. Outwardly, this represents a diverse collection of disjunctive
processes. Yet an introspective analysis shows that there is an innate centrality that
originates in core principles that bind individual processes to each other and to a unified
body of theory. These foundational principles of ADR are replicated in each of its
processes. In these terms, ADR is therefore conceptualised as a pluralistic system of
dispute resolution that consists of autonomous and individual systems of process that
conform to a central body of general theory and consensual principles.
As a method of extracting the fundamental principles of ADR, the discontinuities and
continuities between the theory and principles of civil procedure, as a unitary system .of
procedure, and ADR processes are explored. However, in its conclusions, the thesis
rejects the premises of a unitary system of procedure as forming the basis for the theory
and principles of ADR. Instead, the contrary notion is advanced that ADR is an
independent system of dispute resolution which is based on a theory of processual
pluralism and supported by cogent processual principles. / Constitutional, International and Indigenous Law / LL.D.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:unisa/oai:uir.unisa.ac.za:10500/16772
Date06 1900
CreatorsFaris, J. A.
ContributorsVan Rooyen, J. H. (Jan H.), Scott-Macnab, David
Source SetsSouth African National ETD Portal
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeThesis
Format1 online resource (x, 312 pages)

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