Online Dispute Resolution (ODR)

Like almost every other industry, the world’s legal and judicial systems have been affected and transformed by the expansion of information and communication technologies (ICTs). The pace of technologic change has remarkably accelerated in the last decade putting pressure on every sector of our society. As consequence, more people have integrated the internet and other information technologies in their daily lives. Hence, the rapid development of ICTs has opened new opportunities to significantly improve both the administration and the access to justice. As the internet continues to grow alternative forms of justice such as Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) have become available. ODR is considered a form of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) that uses technology in attempt to resolve disputes in a faster and more efficient way.

This course will provide an overview of the main Online Dispute Resolution processes, with a special focus on online mediation and electronic arbitration. It will discuss the impact of information and communication technology on the resolution of disputes that are created both online and offline. Additionally, the course will review the international initiatives to provide and regulate a legal framework for online dispute resolution, and the projects developed by some public courts (Michigan, Ohio, New York) to adopt ODR as pre-cursor to trial, or for e-courts to handle specific disputes.