Special Topics

Read the most relevant, reliable information about court ADR as it is applied to a particular subject area or as it is used by those in particular professions. These resources were specially selected by RSI’s expert staff to provide the quickest route to the most useful information.

Topics By Profession Topics By Subject

For Judges

The topics and resources provided here take into account that judges play a variety of roles in court ADR programs.

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For Lawyers

Because lawyers can approach court ADR programs from a variety of perspectives, resources here have been selected to reflect that.

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For Legal Aid

Legal aid attorneys, volunteers, staff members, and pro bono attorneys manage a variety of client needs.

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For Neutrals

Neutrals participate in court ADR programs in an amazing variety of ways, from working on a court staff or a court roster to hanging out a shingle or serving as a community volunteer.

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For Program Administrators

This multi-chapter guide answers the questions that program administrators may have about developing a new program and running or improving an existing one.

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For the Public

More and more, courts are offering parties the opportunity to resolve their disputes outside of the courtroom. The resources below will help to explain how these alternatives to trial operate.

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Child Protection Mediation

Child protection mediation is not like mediation in other contexts. And its makeup and goals change as a case moves through different phases, from intake through the permanent placement of the child. This Special Topic explains the context within which mediation operates, provides evidence-based guidance on program design and implementation, and summarizes the research on the effectiveness of child protection mediation.

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Community Mediation

Written in collaboration with the National Association for Community Mediation, this Special Topic takes an in-depth look at community mediation.

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Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility

This Special Topic explores diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEI) in court alternative dispute resolution (ADR) programs. The aim is to help court ADR programs determine how to provide services in which individuals have equal access to opportunities, feel that they are welcomed, and receive fair treatment.

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Eviction Mediation

Developed in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the eviction crisis it bore, this resource is designed as a timely and topical collection of available resources and guidance. Included are key considerations, guidance on data collection, sample materials and more.

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Foreclosure Mediation

In the wake of the housing crisis, courts increasingly turned and continue to turn to mediation programs to help resolve the increased caseload of foreclosure actions in a fair and efficient manner.

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Online Dispute Resolution

RSI's Special Topic on Online Dispute Resolution aims to provide courts with context, considerations and resources in assessing whether and how they can use ODR to meet their needs.

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Restorative Justice

This Special Topic on Restorative Justice looks at how courts use it to heal the harm that crime and conflict can cause to individuals and communities. Along with a description of Restorative Justice, this Special Topic provides examples of court-based Restorative Justice and selected resources.

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