Comparison of Dispute Resolution Methods & POJ: KK9

the third party (is there a third party?, role of third party, is the decision binding?)

processes and procedures

types of civil disputes

dispute resolution methods

hierarchy and appeals

fairness

disputes are resolved by those with expertise - therefore outcomes are just

equality

achieves

• VCAT prohibits the use of legal representation in some lists, ensuring one party will not have advantage over another

not achieve

• not all consumer complaints fall under the jurisdiction of CAV

• similar civil disputes could be handled differently through different bodies

access

achieve

• removes stress on the court system, enabling more disputes to be solved

• CAV provides consumers with a cost effective avenue to seek restitution, particularly for lower valued matters

• VCAT provides people with a cost effective and timely dispute resolution avenue

not achieve

• Legal representation is becoming more common in VCAT, increasing costs

• VCAT has an increasing caseload, increasing delays in some lists