Laserfiche WebLink
STRUCTURE OF THE COURTS <br />Integrated Dispute Resolution System <br />The state courts are part of an integrated, statewide system of dispute resolution. This <br />system is commonly referred to as "multi-option" justice because it offers the public a <br />variety of choices. In Oregon, integrated dispute resolution includes the formal court <br />system as well as Community Dispute Resolution Centers (CDRCs) in local communities; <br />court-annexed appropriate (formerly "alternative") dispute resolution venues (ADR); and <br />an expansion of ADR techniques (such as settlement conferences, mediation and <br />arbitration) in the state court system. <br />• The state court system oversees the integrated dispute resolution system, including <br />some dispute resolution venues outside the courts. [t also oversees all disputes except <br />those where the parties have contracted in advance to resolve potential disputes outside <br />the court system. <br />• As an overseer, the courts educate the public on the available options for dispute <br />resolution, set uniform dispute resolution standards and personnel standards where <br />appropriate and ensure that those standards are met. Court oversight also includes the <br />training and education of professional providers of ADR services <br />• Jury trials continue to be the centerpiece of the court system. However, the courts have <br />reduced the public's reliance on jury trials as a dispute resolution ~i~ethod in order to <br />reduce the volume of cases and prevent len~thy delays. <br />Comprehensive Court Restructuring <br />After a comprehensive assessment of the structure of the state court system, the Oregon <br />Judicial Department has changed or eliminated a number of outmoded, redundant or <br />unnecessary court functions. The result is a more streamlined, eFficient court system. <br />In the appellate courts, changes in procedure and law have createci ~~ more manageable <br />workload. For example, in the Court of Appeals, "appeals of right" ha~e been modified <br />and, in some cases, eliminated. Summary determination of appeals, where appropriate, <br />Fi~~al Visio~t Text 1 A~~g~~st 1994 <br />