ABSTRACT
Law is one method of resolving disputes when, as is inevitable, they emerge. All societies have mechanisms for dealing with such problems, but the forms of dispute resolution tend to differ from society to society. In small-scale societies, based on mutual co-operation and interdependency, the means of solving disputes tend to be informal and focus on the need for mutual concessions and compromise to maintain social stability. The common factor remains the emphasis on solidarity and the need to maintain social cohesion. Arbitration is a procedure whereby both sides to a dispute agree to let a third party, the arbitrator, decide. In some instances, there may be a panel. The tribunal is required to adopt procedures fairly and impartially, which are suitable to the circumstances of each case. Alternative dispute resolution has many features that make it preferable to the ordinary court system in many areas.
