Which statement about alternative dispute resolution is true?

• A. It is a formal process with rules identical to court
• B. It is non-voluntary and parties are required to participate
• C. The parties decide the process that will be used rather than giving that power to lawyers or judges
• D. It is mandatory

Answer: (C)

At the heart of alternative dispute resolution is that the people involved shape how their dispute will be resolved. ADR offers options like mediation, arbitration, or direct negotiation, and the participants — often with legal counsel to advise — determine which path to take and set the rules, timelines, and level of formality. This party-driven approach is what makes ADR different from going to court, where the procedure is largely dictated by statute and the judge.

The statement reflects this by emphasizing that the process is chosen by the parties rather than being imposed by lawyers or judges. While lawyers can guide and facilitate, they don’t unilaterally decide the method, and judges typically don’t control the ADR path unless a court order or contract requires a specific process. There can be court-ordered or contractually required ADR in some situations, but the core idea remains that the decision about which process to use lies with the parties themselves.