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LGST 489: Alternative Dispute Resolution (Rev. C3) Report a Broken Link

Alternative Dispute Resolution is a course in Legal Studies at Athabasca University. The course is designed to provide students with practical knowledge that will be useful to them in all areas of their life where they may encounter conflicts, disputes, and claims.

Unit 1: Conflicts, Disputes, and Claims

Brahm, E. (2003, September). Conflict stages. In G. Burgess & H. Burgess (Eds.), Beyond intractability. Conflict Information Consortium, University of Colorado, Boulder.
Conflict Research Consortium Staff. (n.d.) Summary of Social conflict: Escalation, stalemate and settlement (by D. G. Pruitt & J. Z. Rubin). In G. Burgess & H. Burgess (Eds.), Beyond intractability. Conflict Information Consortium, University of Colorado, Boulder.
Felstiner, W. L. F., Abel, R. L., & Sarat, A. (1980–1981). The emergence and transformation of disputes: Naming, blaming, claiming. Law & Society Review, 15(3/4), 631–654.
Menkel-Meadow, C. (2012). Women in dispute resolution: Parties, lawyers and dispute resolvers: What difference does “gender difference” make? Dispute Resolution Magazine, 18(3), 4–10.
Practice Exercise Video and Readings
Chevreu, O. (2011, June 8). Introduction to participatory conflict analysis [Video]. YouTube. (11:07 min) 
Goetz, A. M., & Treiber, A.-K. (2012). Gender and conflict analysis (Policy briefing paper). United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women.
Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). (2005, December). Conflict analysis tools.

Unit 2: Introduction to Alternative Dispute Resolution: What Is It? Why Use It?

Menkel-Meadow, C. (2000). Mothers and fathers of invention: The intellectual founders of ADR. Ohio State Journal on Dispute Resolution, 16(1), 1–37.
Morris, C. (May 2002). Definitions in the field of conflict transformation. www.peacemakers.ca

Unit 3: Negotiation

Alfredson, T., & Cungu, A. (2008, January). Chapter 3: Negotiation theory: Foundations and approaches. In Negotiation theory and practice: A review of the literature [EASYPol Module 179] (pp. 6–18). EASYPol: Online Resources for Policy Making, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
Spangler, B., & Burgess, H. (2012, July). Best alternative to a negotiated agreement (BATNA). In G. Burgess & H. Burgess (Eds.), Beyond intractability. Conflict Information Consortium, University of Colorado, Boulder.
Spangler, B. (2003, July). Competitive and cooperative approaches to conflict. In G. Burgess & H. Burgess (Eds.), Beyond intractability. Conflict Information Consortium, University of Colorado, Boulder.
Spangler, B. (2003, June). Distributive bargaining. In G. Burgess & H. Burgess (Eds.), Beyond intractability. Conflict Information Consortium, University of Colorado, Boulder.
Spangler, B. (2003, June). Integrative or interest-based bargaining. In G. Burgess & H. Burgess (Eds.), Beyond intractability. Conflict Information Consortium, University of Colorado, Boulder.
Spangler, B., & Burgess, H. (2013, June). Zone of possible agreement (ZOPA). In G. Burgess & H. Burgess (Eds.), Beyond intractability. Conflict Information Consortium, University of Colorado, Boulder.

Unit 4: The Negotiation Process

Alfredson, T., & Cungu, A. (2008, January). Chapter 4: Practical steps to integrative bargaining: The seven elements of principled negotiation. In Negotiation theory and practice: A review of the literature [EASYPol Module 179] (pp. 18–25). EASYPol: Online Resources for Policy Making, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
Dugan, M. A., & Burgess, H. (2017, June). Power. In G. Burgess & H. Burgess (Eds.), Beyond intractability. Conflict Information Consortium, University of Colorado, Boulder.
Ebner, N. (2014). Analytical preparation for negotiation: A checklist. Creighton University School of Law—Werner Institute for Negotiation and Dispute Resolution.
Maiese, M., & Burgess, H. (2017, April). Interests, positions, needs, and values. In G. Burgess & H. Burgess (Eds.), Beyond intractability. Conflict Information Consortium, University of Colorado, Boulder.

Unit 5: Negotiation in Practice

Adair, W. L., & Brett, J. M. (2005). The negotiation dance: Time, culture, and behavioral sequences in negotiation. Organization Science, 16(1), 33–51.
Kirby, J. (1997). Would principled negotiation have saved Eve?: A feminist analysis of Getting to YES. Otago Law Review, 9(1), 122–143.
LeBaron, M. (2003, July). Culture-based negotiation styles. In G. Burgess & H. Burgess (Eds.), Beyond intractability. Conflict Information Consortium, University of Colorado, Boulder.
Milo-Locker, S. (2004, May). The decision to settle: Balance, setoffs and tradeoffs between rational, emotional and psychological forces. Mediate.

Unit 6: Principles of Mediation

Alexander, N. (2011). The mediation meta-model: The realities of mediation practice. ADR Bulletin: The Monthly Newsletter on Dispute Resolution, 12(6), 126–131.
Maiese, M. (2005, June). Neutrality. In G. Burgess & H. Burgess (Eds.), Beyond intractability. Conflict Information Consortium, University of Colorado, Boulder.
Riskin, L. L. (2003). Decision-making in mediation: The new old grid and the new new grid system. Notre Dame Law Review, 79(1), 1–53.
Spangler, B. (2003, September). Problem-solving mediation. In G. Burgess & H. Burgess (Eds.), Beyond intractability. Conflict Information Consortium, University of Colorado, Boulder.
Spangler, B. (2013). Transformative mediation. In G. Burgess & H. Burgess (Eds.), Beyond intractability. Conflict Information Consortium, University of Colorado, Boulder.

Unit 7: The Mediation Process

Kaufman, S., Elliott, M., Shmueli, D., & Burgess, H. (2017, June). Frames, framing and reframing. In G. Burgess & H. Burgess (Eds.), Beyond intractability. Conflict Information Consortium, University of Colorado, Boulder.
Maiese, M. (2005, July). Emotions. In G. Burgess & H. Burgess (Eds.), Beyond intractability. Conflict Information Consortium, University of Colorado, Boulder.
Maiese, M. (2004, September). Ground rules. In G. Burgess & H. Burgess (Eds.), Beyond intractability. Conflict Information Consortium, University of Colorado, Boulder.
Salem, R. (2003, July). Empathic listening. In G. Burgess & H. Burgess (Eds.), Beyond intractability. Conflict Information Consortium, University of Colorado, Boulder.
Spangler, B. (2003, June). Caucus. In G. Burgess & H. Burgess (Eds.), Beyond intractability. Conflict Information Consortium, University of Colorado, Boulder.

Unit 8: Mediation in Practice

Hallevy, G. (2011). Therapeutic victim-offender mediation within the criminal justice process—Sharpening the evaluation of personal potential for rehabilitation while righting wrongs under the alternative-dispute-resolution (ADR) philosophy. Harvard Negotiation Law Review, 16(65), 65–94.
Lande, J. (2012). The revolution in family law dispute resolution. Journal of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, 24, 411–449. University of Missouri School of Law Legal Studies Research Paper No. 2012–10.
Menkel-Meadow, C. (2011). Mediating multiculturally: Culture and the ethical mediator. In E. Waldman (Ed.), Mediation ethics: Cases & commentaries (pp. 305–338). Jossey-Bass.
Umbreit, M. (2009, April 27). Restorative justice: Victim offender mediation overview by Mark Umbreit [Video]. YouTube. (9:48 min)

Unit 9: Hybrid Processes

Elliott, D. C. (1995, June). Med/arb: Fraught with danger or ripe with opportunity? Alberta Law Review, 34(1), 163–179.
Rowe, M. (1991). The ombudsman’s role in a dispute resolution system. Negotiation Journal, 7(4), 353–361.
Wittmann, N. C. (2015). Judicial dispute resolution in the Court of Queen’s Bench: Making resolution accessible. Canadian Arbitration and Mediation Journal, 25(1), 14–20.

Unit 10: Online Dispute Resolution

Brannigan, C. (2007). Online dispute resolution. In Alternative dispute resolution practice manual (pp. 6901–6953). CCH Canadian Limited.
Brett, J. M., Olekalns, M., Friedman, R., Goates, N., Anderson, C., & Lisco, C. C. (2007). Sticks and stones: Language, face, and online dispute resolution. Academy of Management Journal, 50(1), 85–99.
Ebner, N. (2017). Negotiation via email. In C. Honeyman & A. K. Schneider (Eds.), The negotiator’s desk reference (pp. 115–132). DRI Press.
Ebner, N., & Zeleznikow, J. (2015). Fairness, trust and security in online dispute resolution. Hamline Journal of Public Law and Policy, 36(2), 143–160.

Unit 11: Designing and Evaluating Systems and Processes

Amsler (formerly Bingham), L. B. (2008). Designing justice: Legal institutions and other systems for managing conflict. Ohio State Journal on Dispute Resolution, 24(1), 1–51.
Brahm, E., & Ouellet, J. (2003, September). Designing new dispute resolution systems. In G. Burgess & H. Burgess (Eds.), Beyond intractability. Conflict Information Consortium, University of Colorado, Boulder.
Ministry of Attorney General, Justice Services. (2003, June). Reaching resolution: A guide to designing public sector dispute resolution systems. Government of British Columbia.

Unit 12: Indigenous Dispute Resolution in Canada

Barkwell, L. J., Carrière Acco, A., & Rozyk, A. (2007). The origins of Métis customary law with a discussion of Métis legal traditions. Gabriel Dumont Institute of Native Studies and Applied Research Virtual Museum of Métis History and Culture.
Borrows, J. (2006, January). Indigenous legal traditions in Canada: Report for the Law Commission of Canada. Law Commission of Canada.

Please read

I. Characteristics of Indigenous Legal Traditions (pp. 1–13)

II. Examples of Indigenous Law

The Introduction (pp. 13–16)
E. Métis Legal Traditions (pp. 53–59)
H. Inuit Legal Traditions (pp. 74–77)

III. Learning from Bi-Juridicalism

The Introduction (pp. 77–80)
Chartrand, L., & Horn, K. (2016, October). A report on the relationship between restorative justice and Indigenous legal traditions in Canada. The Department of Justice Canada.
Hewitt, J. G. (2016).  Indigenous restorative justice: Approaches, meaning & possibility. University of New Brunswick Law Journal, 67, 313–335.
Metallic, N. W., Friedland, H., & Morales, S. (2019, July 4). The promise and pitfalls of C-92: An Act Respecting First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Children, Youth and Families. Yellowhead Institute.
Napoleon, V. (2007, June 18). Thinking about Indigenous legal orders. National Centre for First Nations Governance.
Napoleon, V. (2019, November ). Ngā ture o ngā iwi taketake—Indigenous law: Legal pluralism and reconciliation. Māori Law Review, 1–22.
Victor, W. (2007, April). Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in Aboriginal contexts: A critical review. Canadian Human Rights Commission.
Examples of Indigenous Dispute Resolution and Restorative Justice
BC First Nations Justice Council. (2024).  Secwepemc Community Justice Program.
Dawson, S., Black, J., Sheldon, M., Peterson, J., & Grabowski, M. (2017). Nän K’ałädàtth’ät (Changing times, continuing ways): A reevaluation of court options for Shadhäla, Äshèyi yè kwädän (Champagne and Aishihik First Nations). The Gordon Foundation.
Department of Justice Canada. (2022). Addressing the overrepresentation of Red River Métis people in the justice system in Manitoba. 
Legal Aid Saskatchewan. (2024). The Tsuu T'ina Peacemaker Court. Gladue Rights Research Database.
Manitoba Métis Federation. (2024). Métis Justice Institute.
Nishnawbe-Aski Legal Services Corporation. (n.d.). Restorative justice.
Sken:nen A'Onsonton—To Become Peaceful Again. (2002.) Sken:nen A'Onsonton—Kahnawà:ke Alternative Dispute Resolution Program.
Supply and Service Canada. (1997). The four circles of Hollow Water. Public Safety Canada, Government of Canada.

Please note that the first two pages of this document are blank, so that you will have to page down.
Tungasuvvingat Inuit. (2020). Restorative Justice Program (RJ).
Yukon First Nation Government. (2023). Restoring the balance: Teslin Tlingit Council Peacemaker Court is changing the way we think about justice.

Assignment 3 Resources

Readings
Maiese, M., & Burgess, H. (2017, April). Interests, positions, needs, and values. In G. Burgess & H. Burgess (Eds.), Beyond intractability. Conflict Information Consortium, University of Colorado, Boulder.

This is assigned in Unit 4.
Spangler, B. (2003, June). Integrative or interest-based bargaining. In G. Burgess & H. Burgess (Eds.), Beyond intractability. Conflict Information Consortium, University of Colorado, Boulder.

This is assigned in Unit 3.
Maiese, M. (2004, September). Interests, rights, power, and needs frames. In G. Burgess & H. Burgess (Eds.), Beyond intractability. Conflict Information Consortium, University of Colorado, Boulder.
Law, J. (2016, July 20). Are you confused about the difference between positions and interests? LinkedIn.

Note that despite being asked by LinkedIn to sign in, you should be able to read this article without signing in. If you do have to sign in, remember to use your Athabasca University email account so that you do not have to give LinkedIn any personal information.
Kaufman, S., Elliott, M., Shmueli, D., & Burgess, H. (2017, June). Frames, framing and reframing. In G. Burgess & H. Burgess (Eds.), Beyond intractability. Conflict Information Consortium, University of Colorado, Boulder.

This is assigned in Unit 7.
Blanciak, P. (2002, August 19). Reframing: The essense of mediation. Mediate.
UK Mediation. (2024, June 10). The A–Z of mediation: Reframing.
Maiese, M. (2005, July). Emotions. In G. Burgess & H. Burgess (Eds.), Beyond intractability. Conflict Information Consortium, University of Colorado, Boulder.

This is assigned in Unit 7.
Association for Conflict Resolution. (2010, May 28). The artful use of questions in mediation. Association for Conflict Resolution's Blog.
Videos
Explanation of Pre-Mediation and a Demonstration
California Courts Self Help. (2018, July 19). Pre mediation meetings Part A [Video]. YouTube. (28:53 min)
Mediation Institute. (2017). Demo mediation: FDR pre-mediation—Mediator Fred Stern [Video]. Vimeo. (1:03:42 hr)
Explanations of Reframing and a Demonstration
Mayer, B. (2015, February 12). Framing and reframing in negotiation [Video]. YouTube. (14:20 min)
UK Mediation. (2021, October 7). What is “re-framing”? [Video]. Mediation minutes. YouTube. (0:57 min)
Nelson, E. (2011, April 11). Reframing [Video]. YouTube. (1:48 min)
Mathew, A. (2018, November 25). Mediation: Reframing [Video]. YouTube. (2:35 min)

Assignment 4 Resources

Examples and Checklists
Berlin, R. A. (2019, August 5). Sample mediator’s opening statement. Mediate.
Air University. (2025). Model mediator’s opening statement; Mediator’s opening statement checklist [Cooperative Negotiating Strategy Worksheet].
Holland, E. (2024, July 10). Mediation opening statement: A full checklist. ADR Times.
Video Demonstration
Arendt, L. (2015, October 13). Mediation opening statement [Video]. YouTube. (5:20 min)

Assignment 5 Resources

Omana, J., & Page, N. R. (2006, April 10). Summarizing: An under-appreciated mediator skill. Mediate.
Burgess, H., & Burgess, G. M. (2017, September). Listen actively and empathically. Things you can do to help [Blog]. Moving Beyond Intractability.
Burgess, H., & Burgess, G. M. (2021, March). Small scale reconciliation—Part 2: Promote effective communication [Video]. Conflict fundamentals [Blog]. Moving Beyond Intractability. (29:16 min)

If you are not able to play the video from the blog and transcript page, try watching it on Vimeo.