Over 25 years ago, when the public first gained access to the Internet, UMASS Amherst Legal Studies Distinguished Professor Emeritus Ethan Katsh envisioned the growth of online conflicts and, therefore, the possibilities for online dispute resolution (ODR). He not only pioneered a new subfield of law and society, his vision impacted e-commerce and eventually the slow moving court system. While a few other countries have already been effectively integrating ODR into courts, the U.S. has finally joined in as New Mexico Supreme Court Chief Justice Nakamura states in announcing the first ODR court project.
Congratulations, Ethan, on helping increase access to justice in the U.S.!