Which of the following is NOT a feature of alternative dispute resolution?

Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) is designed to resolve conflicts outside the traditional court system, hence focusing on methods such as mediation and arbitration. The key feature of ADR is its ability to provide a more flexible, efficient, and informal way to settle disputes, differentiating it significantly from conventional litigation.

The statement regarding the involvement of a designated court judge is not aligned with the principles of ADR. In ADR processes, parties typically engage in negotiations with a neutral third-party facilitator, such as a mediator or arbitrator, rather than a judge who presides over court proceedings. ADR emphasizes collaboration and voluntary resolution rather than the formal adjudication process led by a court judge.

Additionally, ADR offers significant advantages, such as enhanced confidentiality compared to public court cases, and often this process can be less costly and time-consuming than formal litigation. These highlight the benefits of using ADR as an alternative to courtroom disputes. Thus, the absence of a designated court judge in the ADR process is a definitive reason for identifying this feature as not characteristic of ADR.