Awareness of Alternative Dispute Resolution Methods: A Turkish Sample

• In Event: Challenging Perceptions: Rethinking Detainees, Former Prisoners, Human Rights and Dispute Resolution

Abstract

Dispute Resolution became an essential topic related with the legal reforms in 2005 in Turkey. Public awareness about the dispute resolution seems indeterminate. It’s needed more specific studies in order to observe public opinions and attitudes on the issue.
The aim of this paper is to determine individual’s awareness regarding alternative dispute resolution methods in Turkey. To achieve this “Preferred Conflict Resolution Methods Questionnaire” and “Attitudes and Awareness toward Justice System” conducted to the 100 participants. Participants were asked about their knowledge about in terms of mediation, compromise, arbitration, ombudsman institution and lawsuit.
Statistical analysis showed that preferences of methods of dispute resolutions change according to the participants educational level and income status. More educated participants preferred legal methods to resolve conflicts while others prefer cultural or violent methods. The same outcome presented itself when the data at hand were analyzed in conjunction with income status. Besides 91% of the participants believed that the individuals in Turkey has not enough information about their legal rights.

Authors

• Neylan Ziyalar, İstanbul University Institute of Forensic Sciences Social Sciences Department

• Umut H. Ahtıhan, İstanbul University

• Can Calıcı, Istanbul University Institute of Forensic Sciences Social Sciences Department

• Faruk Aşıcıoğlu, İstanbul University