Alternative Dispute Resolution, as it is known now, originated in England as early as 1066. English citizens held their own informal court to solve private disputes. Often these informal meetings were led by respected male members of the community. Sometimes, instead of trying a case in king’s court, the king would adopt the decision of the citizens. This is one of the first forms of arbitration created. In the American Colonies, mediation was more popular than traditional lawyers and courts. After the United States gained independence, arbitration was mainly used for patent claims until the 19th century when the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) was created. Then, in the 1920s congress enacted the “Federal Arbitration Act”. Throughout the 20th century it grew in popularity in America and now ADR is a big part of the American Legal System.