Which of the following is NOT a form of dispute resolution outside court action?

• A. Negotiation
• B. Mediation
• C. Arbitration
• D. Litigation

Answer: (D)

Dispute resolution outside court action is about methods used to settle disagreements without going to court. Negotiation involves the parties talking directly to reach an agreement. Mediation adds a neutral mediator who facilitates discussion and helps the parties find a settlement. Arbitration uses a neutral arbitrator to hear the case and issue a decision, which is typically binding and doesn’t involve a court trial. Litigation, by contrast, means bringing the dispute into the court system to be decided by a judge (and sometimes a jury) under formal procedures. Since the question asks for what is not outside court action, the option that clearly takes place in court is litigation.