Historically, most litigation has taken place in federal or state courts. As alternative means of resolving disputes, many parties now turn to mediation or arbitration. Mediation is a process whereby the parties attempt to resolve the dispute amicably, by mutual agreement and with the assistance of a neutral mediator. Arbitration is a process whereby the parties present their dispute to an arbitrator to issue a binding decision about the case. Both processes have advantages and disadvantages as compared to traditional litigation. If you are a party or prospective party to these processes, you should consult with an attorney.