Paralegal Certification PrepLegal Terminology and ConceptsEasy

A paralegal is reviewing a client's employment contract. The contract includes a clause stating that any disputes arising from the employment must be resolved through binding arbitration rather than litigation in court. The paralegal understands this clause is an example of:

  1. ALitigation
  2. BDiscovery
  3. CMediation
  4. DArbitration
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D. Arbitration

Arbitration is a form of alternative dispute resolution where a neutral third party (the arbitrator) hears evidence and makes a binding decision, distinct from court litigation.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. Litigation refers to the process of resolving disputes in a court of law.
  • B. Discovery is the pre-trial process of exchanging information between parties in a lawsuit.
  • C. Mediation involves a neutral third party facilitating a settlement, but the decision is not binding.

Arbitration

A form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in which a dispute is submitted to one or more impartial third persons (arbitrators) for a decision, which is often legally binding.

  • Often contractually agreed upon.
  • Faster and less formal than litigation.
  • Decision is typically binding and difficult to appeal.

Memory trick: ADR offers options to avoid court's long reports.

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