Lawsuits and Disputes

The U.S. federal court system consists of district courts, appellate courts, specialized courts and the U.S. Supreme Court.

Class action lawsuits join a number of injured parties, allowing them to share costs as well as any potential recovery.

After a judge or jury renders a decision, a party may have the right to appeal the decision to a higher court in an effort to have the decision reviewed and reversed. The appellate process considers only errors of law, and never involves a review or determination of fact.

Alternative dispute resolution refers to non-judicial ways to find and implement a final solution to a legal problem. Arbitration and mediation are two examples of alternative dispute resolution.

In mediation, a neutral third party, known as a mediator, facilitates negotiations between parties in an effort to reach a resolution without going to court. Mediators do not consider legal or factual arguments and do not render a decision. They work exclusively to help the parties find a mutually agreeable outcome.

In arbitration, a single referee or a panel of arbitrators listens to arguments, and renders a decision, which may or may not be binding. All persons serving as arbitrators are considered authorities in the specific legal issues being addressed.