Explain the 1998 Alternative Dispute Resolution Act and its requirements on litigants in the federal district courts.

Under the 1998 Alternative Dispute Resolution Act, all federal district court litigants must consider the use of alternative dispute resolution programs at the appropriate stage of litigation. Each district court however can decide how to require the ADR. Some courts have mandated some form of ADR while other courts say that it is completely voluntary while still other courts mandate that litigants must simply be informed about the alternatives to litigation. Mediation is the primary process that is used in the federal district courts.