LEGAL 222 - Dispute Resolution

2.0 Credits
The study of dispute resolution processes, such as negotiation, mediation, arbitration, early neutral evaluation, mini-trials, and summary jury trials, as alternatives to traditional court adjudication. Critical evaluation of each alternative dispute resolution (ADR) process will occur through a combination of lectures, assigned readings, and role-play exercises. Students will practice ADR techniques in class.
Prerequisite LEGAL 200 or instructor permission.
Course-level Learning Objectives (CLOs)
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Explain the negotiation, mediation, and arbitration processes by identifying participants, decision-making authorities, best alternatives given the circumstances of a particular dispute, and the role a paralegal plays in each process.
Evaluate a client’s negotiation position in terms of the strengths and weaknesses of the client’s case.
Describe the meaning and effect of mediation agreements and how they influence a party’s future rights.
Identify the advantages and disadvantages of arbitration, and assist in determining whether arbitration is appropriate and/or required in a given situation.
Define the state and federal laws governing arbitration, including court mandated arbitration.
Describe the various nontraditional alternative dispute resolution processes, and determine when each process is best applied.
Recognize the ethical issues that may arise in the dispute resolution process and the professional guidelines and rules used to respond to these issues.