Delivering Dispute Resolution

Christopher Hodges is Professor of Justice Systems, and head of the Swiss Re Research Programme on Civil Justice Systems, Centre for Socio-Legal Studies, University of Oxford. Chris will explain the evidence and conclusions of his extensive review of all major types of dispute resolution pathways in England & Wales, set out in his latest book Delivering Dispute Resolution. The following types of disputes are covered: consumer, property, personal injury, employment, family, small claims, SME claims, larger commercial claims and claims against the State. Three broad issues are considered. First, what are the mechanisms by which people access assistance with their problems, including root cause and legal analysis, and means of resolving the problems? Second, are the dispute resolution pathways easy , effective and efficient to access and use, and do they deliver resolutions? For example, is mediation an integral stage in the pathway? Third, how do systems obtain information (especially meta data) on problems, feed such information back, drive interventions and changes in behaviour or culture, so as to reduce the future incidence and repetition of problems? A raft of suggestions for reform on these issues are suggested.

In this seminar Chris will be talking about his new book, Delivering Dispute Resolution.  In his Foreword to the book, Lord Thomas of Cwmgiedd says: “This book provides that clear analysis of the present system in England and in Wales. It correctly concludes that now is a time for change. … The strategy and plans for change provide a clear way forward. … Although there may be some useful discussion about the detail of the way in which this is to be done, there can be no room for argument that a radical and far-reaching redesign of our dispute resolution and legal advice system is needed. I therefore cannot commend too highly the compelling analysis which shows this is necessary. It sets out what needs to be done to produce as soon as possible a new and integrated system and provides a clear set of proposals for discussion. In pressing for reform, it will be essential to remind everyone that without an accessible dispute resolution system and without the provision of legal advice and assistance where they are needed, the Rule of Law is indeed under a real threat in England and in Wales.