Current Topics in IT Law: Online Dispute Resolution (2 credit hours)
Professor David Sorkin
The John Marshall Law School
Summer 2009
Tuesdays, 6:00-9:00 pm
May 26 through July 21, 2009
Paper course (no final examination)

This course examines the use of the Internet and technology generally as methods of resolving online and offline conflicts. We will discuss the history and development of online dispute resolution (ODR); examine how ODR works, both generally and with regard to particular implementations; investigate a wide range of applications of ODR, including resolution of consumer and commercial disputes, domain name and other Internet-related disputes, and those arising in other specific sectors and contexts; and address ODR design and implementation considerations. Throughout the course we will consider ethical and other professional and practical implications of ODR for parties, counsel, neutrals, and other participants.

There are no particular prerequisites for this course, and no prior knowledge or experience in technology or alternative dispute resolution (ADR) is assumed. A rudimentary primer in negotiation, mediation, and arbitration will be presented early in the course, but the course is not intended to serve as a substitute for a foundational ADR course.

---