strengths and weaknesses of dispute resolution bodies

Question 1

strengths

Answer 1

• provide alternative methods of making a complaint
• cost is generally lower than taking a dispute to court
• resolve complaints and applications relatively quickly
• services are freely available
• informality allows parties to fell more at ease
• resolve disputes without fear or intimidation
• whoever is assisting the parties is independent and impartial
• are often specialised in a particular industry or area of law
• parties are given the opportunity to present their case

Question 2

weaknesses

Answer 2

• many people are not aware that they are available
• members of the public may find it difficult to find the right service to help them
• some services are not free of charge
• o or cb has limited power to make a binding decision
• not appropriate for large, complex claims
• not appropriate where large sums of money are sought as compensation
• for certain types of complaints there is no option but to issue a claim in a court
• t, o or cb cannot create binding precedents
• not available for everyone