Craig Perry
One of the most important changes resulting from the new civil procedure rules, and one of the most discussed, is the focus that it places on methods of alternative dispute resolution ("ADR"). Under the new rules, the Court now has the power to stay a claim if the parties agree to refer the matter to ADR or if the Court itself thinks that the claim can be dealt with by ADR. The main attraction to litigants is the potential costs saving and the fact that a form of ADR can be chosen to suit a specific type of claim. Since the new rules were introduced, one of the best known ADR bodies (the Centre for Dispute Resolution "CEDR") has recorded a dramatic increase in the use of ADR. CEDR's figures show that the number of cases being referred to ADR has increased by 100% compared to the same period last year, and there is no sign, in the short to medium term, that this dramatic increase is likely to slow down or level off. In comparison, the number of claims issued in the High
