Multidoor courthouses have been established in state courts in New Jersey, Texas, Massachusetts, and the District of Columbia. In a typical settlement week, a court suspends normal trial activity and, aided by bar groups and volunteer lawyers, devotes itself to the mediation of long-pending civil cases. Mediation is the mainstay ADR method in a typical settlement week. Volunteer lawyers conduct mediations in courtrooms, conference rooms and other areas of the courthouse. Sessions may last an hour or two, with additional sessions held as needed.
Unresolved cases return to the court's docket.
Settlement weeks are used regularly only in two federal district courts. The process is used more widely in state courts and a few federal courts send cases to settlement weeks sponsored by local state courts. Private judging is a general term used to describe a private or court-related process in which disputing parties empower a private individual to hear and decide their case. The procedure may be exclusively a matter of contract between the parties or may be undertaken in connection with an authorizing statute.