Proefschrift: Applying the right to a fair trial to Alternative Dispute Resolution

Proefschrift: Applying the right to a fair trial to Alternative Dispute Resolution

Consumers and traders can resolve disputes through private (settlement) agreements, or they can resort to more formal proceedings — such as mediation or arbitration offered by a private dispute resolution provider. The term alternative dispute resolution (ADR) refers to these more formal out-of-court proceedings. This dissertation focuses on a case study concerning three committees of Stichting Geschillencommissies voor Consumentenzaken: the Homeshop, Webshop, and Common Committee. The aim is to evaluate whether and to what extent the online proceedings for solving consumer disputes provided by these committees comply with the requirements of the fundamental right to a fair trial.