Dispute Resolution Retrospective

Abstract

This paper analyzes the evolution of dispute resolution programs over the last decade. These programs encourage people to settle their disputes out of court. Are they merely another social service maintaining the status quo, or are they a vehicle for social change? A key to answering this question is the ability of a program to look beyond the immediate individual problems presented in a conflict to broad, community-wide issues. Of the three models of dispute resolution programs-court-, agency-, and community-sponsored programs-the community-based type of program is judged to be the one with the potential for enabling social change.