THE CONCEPT OF ONLINE DISPUTE RESOLUTION IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE

Abstract

Not only has there been a huge increase in the use of ADR processes over the last two decades or so, but the process themselves have developed and matured. The process has been extended to suit more sophisticated needs and expectation and understanding of their use have widened. This extension includes the use of technology in dispute resolution mechanism which can be viewed from two perspectives: first, as an aid in the conventional dispute resolution system, and second, as an online dispute resolution mechanism via the Internet.

This article is aimed at examining the concept of online dispute resolution as an offshoot of ADR that is developing in other developed countries of the world and how it aids their administration of justice. The article will review the present-day reality of online justice, examine certain issues relating dispute arising online and ordinary disputes dealt with by ODR as well as other usages of ICT in dispute resolution. Finally, the article will examine the quality and effectiveness of ODR and explore what the future may hold in store for it while reflecting on some lessons from the use of ODR for Nigeria as a developing nation to learn from and use in its administration of justice.