Online Dispute Resolution: Resolving Conflicts in Cyberspace - Hardcover

by Ethan Katsh (Author), Janet Rifkin (Author)

An essential tool for dispute resolution professionals as well as for anyone considering using dispute resolution in their lives and work, Online Dispute Resolution explains the many diverse and unique applications of doing conflict resolution online. The expert authors examine the tremendous growth of online dispute resolution-including its use by eBay and other e-commerce companies-and reveal the enormous possibilities to come, along with the many employment opportunities for practitioners in the field. They show how the online environment will affect the role of those who are concerned with dispute resolution just as it has brought changes to those who practice law, sell stocks, or run for office. For those who see the value of technology as a critical building block in the future of dispute resolution, Online Dispute Resolution will be an indispensable resource.

Front Jacket

As anyone who has used the Internet knows, the active, lucrative, entrepreneurial world of cyberspace is not without conflict. The extraordinary growth of online commerce and online transactions has generated many disputes. But at the same time, there are also resources online to deal with these problems-resources that can even help us with problems that arise offline. Online Dispute Resolution is the first book to address the emerging practice of conflict resolution in cyberspace. Dispute resolution experts Ethan Katsh and Janet Rifkin show how technology-in the form of online resources-can take on the role of a "fourth party," working with and assisting the traditional third party in settling conflicts more efficiently. Katsh and Rifkin examine the recent history of online dispute resolution (ODR) and detail the basic goals and qualities of any ODR system. They show how to use ODR as a supplement to dispute resolution that occurs mainly offline as well as the role of the "fourth party" when ODR is exclusively online-such as when disputes arise out of online activities or when the parties are separated by distant locations. In addition, they detail the specific role of the ODR practitioner and the special skills needed to conduct online work. Online Dispute Resolution provides practical, how-it-works information for arriving at an efficient and economical process for dispute resolution online. This book is sure to become an indispensable resource for anyone seeking to resolve individual conflicts, insurance settlements, or e-commerce disputes, as well as those working in corporate, organizational, or institutional mediation. Ethan Katsh is professor of legal studies at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and codirector of the Center for Information Technology and Dispute Resolution. He is the author of Law in a Digital World (1995) and The Electronic Media and the Transformation of Law (1989). During the last ten years, he has worked on many projects involving the application of technology to law and legal processes, and has received support for his work from the Hewlett and Markle Foundations. Janet Rifkin is professor and chair of the Legal Studies Department at the University of Massachusetts and codirector of the university's Center for Information Technology and Dispute Resolution. She has conducted seminars and workshops on mediation and dispute resolution throughout the United States and internationally.

Back Jacket

An essential tool for dispute resolution professionals as well as for anyone considering using dispute resolution in their lives and work, Online Dispute Resolution explains the many diverse and unique applications of doing conflict resolution online. The expert authors examine the tremendous growth of online dispute resolution-including its use by eBay and other e-commerce companies-and reveal the enormous possibilities to come, along with the many employment opportunities for practitioners in the field. They show how the online environment will affect the role of those who are concerned with dispute resolution just as it has brought changes to those who practice law, sell stocks, or run for office. For those who see the value of technology as a critical building block in the future of dispute resolution, Online Dispute Resolution will be an indispensable resource. "At last! The definitive response for those wondering how consumers will fare in the e-commerce world. Practical solutions for creating the 'clean, well-lighted' global electronic marketplace." --Scott Cooper, manager for technology policy, Hewlett-Packard "Online Dispute Resolution by Ethan Katsh and Janet Rifkin, a valuable ODR primer for lawyers, mediators, and business people, will increase in importance with the ongoing rise in global e-commerce, particularly between businesses ('B2B')." --Doug Simpson, legal counsel, Trumbull Services, L. L. C. "This is a pioneering and important book that will have a lasting effect not only on the field of dispute resolution, but on the whole spectrum of e-commerce-related legal and policy issues. The authors labeling of technology as 'the fourth party' breaks new ground and will shape all further discussions of this topic." --Steve Abernethy, president and CEO, SquareTrade

Author Biography

ETHAN KATSH is professor of legal studies at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and codirector of the Center for Information Technology and Dispute Resolution. He is the author of Law in a Digital World (1995) and The Electronic Media and the Transformation of Law (1989). During the last ten years, he has worked on many projects involving the application of technology to law and legal processes, and has received support for his work from the Hewlett and Markle Foundations. JANET RIFKIN is professor and chair of the Legal Studies Department at the University of Massachusetts and codirector of the university's Center for Information Technology and Dispute Resolution. She has conducted seminars and workshops on mediation and dispute resolution throughout the United States and internationally.