11 Oct 2016
Lord Justice Briggs’ recent report on the structure of the civil courts highlighted his recommendation for an online court for claims up to £25,000. This is the latest development in the UK’s push towards the digital resolution of disputes, which also includes Thomson Reuters’ development and implementation of the CE-file system at the Rolls Building, in London.
Against this backdrop, Thomson Reuters has produced an in-depth report, analysing online dispute resolution technology (ODR) and its impact on dispute resolution in the UK. Lucinda Case, Vice President of Customer Segments and Strategy for Thomson Reuters legal business in the UK and Ireland, explains:
‘The ability to manage disputes and administer justice online has clear relevance for four professional groups in particular – the courts service, regulators and ombudsmen, private mediators and consumer businesses. Each is struggling with an increased volume of disputes and pressure to resolve them quickly, cheaply and proportionately, while delivering a better experience for all involved.
Digital-first services are not only an attractive prospect for cash-strapped courts and regulators, but also the medium of choice for a generation of digital natives that has grown to expect online interaction in all areas of life – including lodging a complaint.
ODR has huge potential to reduce fixed and operating costs for the four groups mentioned here, while improving access to justice and opportunity for redress as well as proportionality and timeliness of resolution.’
Thomson Reuters interviewed 40 subject matter experts and market participants, predominantly from the UK but with insight from Europe and the US. The paper covers a wide range of issues, particularly the impacts for the users and adopters of ODR technology.
Click here to download: The impact of ODR technology on dispute resolution in the UK.
