Jamieson commits to ADR

Executive aims to have more disputes settled out of court, says Justice Minister

News, 6 April 2005

Encouraging greater awareness and use of non-court-based dispute resolution methods is a policy goal of the Scottish Executive. Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson delivered this message in an address to the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators' (CIArb) Scottish branch's annual dinner.

Ms Jamieson explored prospects for change within the Scottish civil justice system, placing particular emphasis on arbitration, adjudication and mediation. She said: "Many disputes can and should be resolved without recourse to a court or a tribunal. A modern civil justice system needs a range of problem-solving mechanisms, as well as a range of advice and information providers. We want to encourage greater awareness and use of non-court-based methods to resolve disputes and we have a number of initiatives which have that aim."

The dinner of the charitable organisation was attended by over 240 guests. Many members of the legal profession were among those present, including Lord Cullen, the Lord President, and Roy Martin QC, Dean of the Faculty of Advocates. They heard the Minister also pledge the enactment of a new statutory framework for arbitration in Scotland, as soon as legislative time allows.

"Indeed we should see this more broadly than only being about the justice agenda", she added, "as it would have tangible benefits for commerce and enterprise in Scotland."

Jane Irvine, chairman of the CIArb's Scottish branch commented: "The Scottish Branch of the Chartered Institute has had another successful year. All our events have attracted very high numbers of attendees. I am proud that what the Institute promotes and teaches is taken so seriously in the community. Increasing the awareness and uptake of alternative methods of dispute resolution such as arbitration, mediation and adjudication is key to an effective civil justice system."