A dispute resolution mechanism must be accessible to disputants, must protect the rights of disputants, should be efficient in terms of time and cost, must be fair and just, should assure finality and enforceability, must be credible, and should express the community's sense of justice. It is unlikely that any such mechanism will be equally strong in all seven criteria. A determination will be necessary as to which are most important in certain types of disputes. In addition to applying the seven criteria, it is equally important to increase public awareness of dispute resolution. Strategies to advance the examination and use of dispute resolution alternatives include a resource center or clearinghouse to collect, analyze, and disseminate relevant information; experimental programing and research; creation of State committees; a national conference on dispute resolution; legal profession education; outreach to professional organizations; media programing; and hearings. Appendixes include tables, a lexicon, and a reading list.