Mission

Preamble

Courts in Illinois face a dilemma. Both criminal and civil litigation are increasing exponentially while the public expects justice promptly and at reasonable cost. To remain accessible and effective, courts need continually to evaluate and improve their methods of resolving disputes.

Expanding case loads and increasingly complex issues combine with funding restraints to place heavy burdens on the judicial systems of the United States generally. Courts in Illinois have not escaped the impact of these circumstances. Until recently the established protocol in Illinois was trial by either judge or jury. During the 1980s, judges at all levels began experimenting with court-related alternative dispute resolution (ADR) programs, some of which have been integrated into the existing protocol. Many such programs have earned the respect and acceptance of public, bench and bar alike. They require, however, ongoing evaluation with a view to improvement and broader dissemination. RSI was formed to help meet this need.

Mission

The RSI mission is to strengthen justice by enhancing court ADR systems through expertise in program development, research and resources. To accomplish this mission, RSI provides a range of information-gathering, clearinghouse, evaluation, analysis and training services.

Activities

RSI’s activities in pursuit of its mission include:

• Conducting evaluations, studies and other analyses of court-related ADR practice, results and policy, as well as
• Identifying and supplying available resources necessary or useful in the evaluation process;
• Working cooperatively with the judiciary in facilitating the evaluation process to ensure its integrity, effectiveness and applicability to development of best practices; and
• Identifying possible funding sources for evaluations and assisting in cultivating their interest.
• Providing access to information and evaluation of court-related ADR by:
• Disseminating conclusions or project results in a timely, focused, practical manner;
• Maintaining a web site to function as a clearinghouse and repository; and
• Providing information to assist court personnel considering new or expanded ADR programs.
• Gathering judicial, academic, professional and governmental leaders to:
• Participate in seminars and training sessions on court-related ADR; and
• Establish informal networks of interested leaders and practitioners.