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ADR Programs in Georgia
While the use of ADR processes on a large scale for the
resolution of disputes by courts is relatively new, the
processes which we now commonly refer to as alternative dispute
resolution (ADR) have been practiced around the world in many
forms for centuries. In the United States, ADR processes have
been used in labor relations, the construction industry, sports
and other fields in the private sector to resolve disputes.
During the 1970s mediation became an increasingly popular means
for resolving small claims and neighborhood disputes through
community or "neighborhood" justice centers. As community
justice centers were evolving outside the courts, a new movement
was evolving inside the courts
Throughout the country, many states have either implemented
court-connected ADR or have task forces studying the feasibility
of making court-connected ADR available to litigants. ADR
processes which are used most widely throughout the country and
in Georgia are (1) mediation, (2) arbitration and (3) case
evaluation.
In 1990, the Georgia Supreme Court established its Commission on
Alternative Dispute Resolution to begin implementation of a
statewide, comprehensive ADR system in keeping with the Georgia
Constitution’s mandate that the judicial branch provide “speedy,
efficient, and inexpensive resolution of disputes and
prosecutions”. In the fifteen years since the formation of the
Commission, Georgia’s court connected ADR programs have become
remarkably well established.
Counties served by ADR programs have grown from 4 in 1992 to 105
in 2006. The Georgia Supreme Court ADR Rules continue to provide
the structure and governance for all court-connected ADR
programs in Georgia. Since 1991, the Commission and the Office
have worked closely with these court programs, providing partial
funding and, in many cases, technical assistance. The Commission
is dedicated to serving the needs of all classes of courts in
rural, suburban and urban Georgia, and ultimately the citizens
of Georgia. Today, more than 75% of Georgia’s citizens have
court-connected ADR services available to them. For additional,
detailed information on Georgia’s court-connected ADR programs
click here to review the
Commission’s FY 2005 Annual Report.
What is the difference between private ADR and
court-connected ADR?
Court-connected alternative dispute resolution services are
available to litigants once they enter the court system. Private
ADR services are also utilized by private citizens. As public
interest and awareness grows, these private providers hope to
handle more and more cases through proactive intervention before
the cases enter the court system. The court-connected ADR
programs are a first step toward this increased interest and
awareness.
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