Prioritizing the Challenges of Implementing Alternative Dispute Resolution Methods: Solutions for the Iranian Judicial System

Alternative dispute resolution also known as ADR is one of the ways to improve the processing of claims, which has been developed as an alternative to judicial proceedings. These methods have been developed to restore and complete development indicators in the judicial system, including increasing public participation, rehabilitation, and improving social relations. However, the implementation of alternative methods of dispute resolution is not free of problems, so in this study, the literature review was used to review and categorize the obstacles and challenges associated with the implementation of alternative methods of dispute resolution. Then, the discovered obstacles and challenges are prioritized and based on the importance and urgency of dealing with these obstacles and challenges, solutions for their elimination are presented. According to the literature review, 15 themes of challenges and obstacles were identified, and categorized into two general categories: user-side problems and system-side problems. As a result of categorizing existing challenges using the TOPSIS method and considering three types of undesirable consequences, including mistrust in dispute resolution methods, the waste of time associated with using dispute resolution methods, and financial loss associated with using dispute resolution methods, Dispute Resolutions were prioritized. The data needed to prioritize these challenges were collected using the questionnaire method. After prioritizing the challenges, it was found that the lack of acceptance of alternative dispute resolution methods and the unwillingness of the parties to the lawsuit to cooperate are among the most important challenges of implementing alternative dispute resolution methods. Finally, after prioritizing the problems, solutions to resolve the problems were presented using the opinions of experts. Accordingly, it was determined that the formulation of policies and general principles of the dispute resolution system by considering the rights of different stakeholders could lead to the improvement of acceptance of alternative methods of dispute resolution.