Harvard's Alternative Dispute Resolution ResearchAlternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) can be defined as a broad system of methodologies that parties can use to resolve their legal and quasi-legal disputes without resorting to litigation. The rules and procedures for some ADR methodologies, such as arbitration, are somewhat formally designated (either by statute or otherwise). For other ADR methodologies, there are general agreed-to principles that govern how parties are to resolve disputes. This guide discusses materials and methods researching ADR methodologies and practices.