ADR (alternative dispute resolution) is the process of resolving a dispute in a non-traditional manner. The rising caseload of regular courts and the belief that ADR is less expensive than litigation explain the rise in ADR.

It is a critical tool for transforming and improving informal justice systems. ADR is an alternative to litigation for resolving a conflict. ADR is a non-adversarial or inquisitional form of justice in another meaning. It can also be used as a colloquialism to defuse a conflict or as a substitute for violence.