A process that involves the submission of a dispute to an arbitrator, who renders a decision after hearing arguments and reviewing evidence. In non-binding arbitration, either party may demand a trial within a specified period of time.
Arbitration is a form of adjudication and the decision can be binding.
A process in which a neutral facilitates settlement discussions between parties. The neutral has no authority to make a decision or impose a settlement upon the parties. The neutral attempts to focus the attention of the parties upon their needs and interests rather than upon rights and position. In the absence of settlement, the parties lose none of their rights to a trial. A process in which a neutral fact finder, often one with substantive expertise, evaluates the merits of a case.