It is noted that pretrial settlement procedures in civil proceedings have their counterpart in criminal proceedings, particularly plea bargaining. It is suggested that research in civil and criminal negotiation processes could prove mutually illuminating. In such research, emphasis should be placed on which judicial techniques are most effective for which intervention objectives. Research in this area also should examine the costs and benefits of such judicial activities and the fundamental values regarding adjudication and negotiation. Finally, greater standardization in both terminology and practice is needed if research in one jurisdiction is to have practical utility in other jurisdictions.