This volume examines the important area of dispute resolution. Its main focus is upon those methods of resolving disputes which provide alternatives to the existing judicial system. Under discussion are the most prominent of these methods — arbitration, mediation and conciliation — as well as others, such as mini-trials, valuations and dispute review boards.

The authors are eminent legal practitioners and scholars from countries spanning the five continents. Consequently, the volume consists of accounts relating to the use of alternative dispute resolution methods in these countries. The pros and cons of each method are examined, together with the procedures involved, their applicability to certain types of cases and their future development.

This work also includes a chapter devoted entirely to International Fast-Trac Commercial Arbitration, which describes how fast-track clauses may be utilized in international commercial contracts to ensure that disputes are resolved rapidly and efficiently. The future for such clauses in individual countries is discussed and a comparative analysis given.