<P> Despite historic resistance to ADR by many popular parties and their advocates, ADR has gained widespread acceptance among both the general public and the legal profession in recent years . In fact, some courts now require some parties to resort to ADR of some type, usually mediation, before permitting the parties' cases to be tried (indeed the European Mediation Directive (2008) expressly contemplates so - called "compulsory" mediation; this means that attendance is compulsory, not that settlement must be reached through mediation). Additionally, parties to merger and acquisition transactions are increasingly turning to ADR to resolve post-acquisition disputes . </P> <P> The rising popularity of ADR can be explained by the increasing caseload of traditional courts, the perception that ADR imposes fewer costs than litigation, a preference for confidentiality, and the desire of some parties to have greater control over the selection of the individual or individuals who will decide their dispute . Some of the senior judiciary in certain jurisdictions (of which England and Wales is one) are strongly in favour of this (ADR) use of mediation to settle disputes . </P> <P> Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) is generally classified into at least four types: negotiation, mediation, collaborative law, and arbitration . Sometimes, conciliation is included as a fifth category, but for simplicity may be regarded as a form of mediation . ADR can be used alongside existing legal systems such as Sharia courts within common law jurisdictions, such as the UK . </P> <P> ADR traditions vary somewhat by country and culture . There are significant common elements which justify a main topic, and each country or region's difference should be delegated to sub-pages . </P>

What are the types of alternative dispute resolution