NCJ Number
133752
Date Published
1990
Length
22 pages
Annotation
The Minnesota Task Force on Alternative Dispute Resolution heard presentations from representatives of State and national alternative dispute resolution (ADR) organizations and assessed information on ADR programs and processes in use both nationally and in Minnesota. The task force's objective was to determine which of these programs and processes could be adapted for use in Minnesota.
Abstract
The task force concluded that ADR processes have substantial potential for an earlier, less costly, and more satisfactory disposition of many civil cases. The task force also determined that the lack of personal experience with ADR by litigants, lawyers, and judges accounts for its relatively limited use currently. The task force recommends that State legislation be enacted to authorize and encourage the early use of ADR for civil cases filed with the trial courts; the legislature should also provide operational standards. Further, the task force recommends that State Supreme Court rules be adopted to implement this legislation. Given the task force's limited analysis of ADR procedures, it advises that its findings and recommendations should only apply to the use of ADR in civil cases. Other task force recommendations pertain to ADR administration and structure, training and qualifications of neutrals for court-annexed and court-referred ADR programs, and funding.