ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION IN THE MULTI-DOOR COURTHOUSE: A CASE STUDY OF THE PLATEAU STATE MULTI-DOOR COURTHOUSE

Abstract

Litigation as a dispute resolution mechanism has over the years floundered in delivering justice due to a host of challenges like incessant adjournments, insufficient man power (judges), archaic judicial
systems, over-crowded dockets etc. This led to the emergence and development of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) with its mechanisms which are flexible, effective and efficient, which has now made dispute resolution. The growth of ADR has now brought about the establishment of the Multi-Door Courthouse (MDC) with several options (doors) for dispute resolution. These ‘doors’ are actually ADR mechanisms employed to reach amicable resolution of dispute. The work found out the efficacy of ADR
in dispute resolution. Some MDCs were highlighted with more discussion centred on the Plateau Multi- Door Courthouse (PMDC). It was established by the work that the PMDC is a worthy addition to the dispute resolution regime in Plateau State and same should be further developed to meet the set objectives. It is suggested that the necessary Instruments like the PMDC Practice Direction and related Instruments should be enacted so that the operations of the PMDC are not hampered. Also, special synergy between the lower Courts and the PMDC should be put in place. This is because there are a lot of civil cases in the District and different Grades of the Area Courts in Plateau State that would require the attention of the PMDC. These cases range from land matters, recovery of premises, default summons, dissolution of marriage etc. The PMDC should not be treated as a Centre for cases from the High Court only.