Introduction.

The definition of Alternative Dispute Resolution also known as ADR is a way by which legal conflicts and disputes are resolved privately and other than through litigation in the public courts. It is generally through one of two forms which is mediation or arbitration. Besides that, it normally involves a process much less formal than the traditional court process and includes the appointment of a third-party to preside over a hearing between the parties. As said in the case of Hilmond Investments v CIBC 1996 135 DLR (4th) 471 (1996, ONT Court of Appeal), "Modern systems of alternative dispute resolution, commonly referred to as ADR, are designed to help parties solve disputes efficiently without resort to formal litigation and with a minimum of judicial interference. There are several methods of ADR which is practiced commonly in the countries which is arbitration, mediation, adjunction and conciliation and neutral evaluation. This essay will outline the different practice as well as comparison and contrast of ADR in four different countries which are China, Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia.Apart from that, this essay will highlight the fact on the efficiency of ADR in each of the jurisdictions.

Conclusion. In conclusion one could say that ADR plays a substantial role in solving most of the cases outside the civil courts today. It is a good way of solving disputes effectively and affordably and one could also agree with the saying that Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) has been described as being at the heart of todays civil justice system. The words of wisdom of Farley J of the Ontario Supreme Court is apt to summarize the scenario as One can only hope that the litigating public and bar will recognize the benefits of resolving disputes through alternative dispute resolutions (ADR); as a judge, one is constantly amazed at how many matters can be resolved if the parties face up to the practical problem that in many cases there be time to pay and payment must be stretched out over time. As I have said, you cannot get blood from a stone but you can get some juice from a turnip if it is squeezed the right way.