Which type of legal process is generally considered less formal than courtroom proceedings?

The correct choice is arbitration, which is generally viewed as a less formal legal process compared to traditional courtroom proceedings. In arbitration, parties to a dispute agree to present their case to a neutral third party, known as an arbitrator, who makes a binding decision based on the evidence and arguments presented. This process is typically more streamlined than litigation, with fewer procedural formalities and often faster resolution times.

Arbitration does not usually follow the strict rules of evidence or procedures that govern court trials, allowing for greater flexibility. This can make the process feel less intimidating for the parties involved and can lead to more efficient decision-making compared to a formal lawsuit or litigation setting.

In contrast, lawsuits and litigation involve more complex rules and procedures, including extensive pre-trial motions, discovery processes, and the formal presentation of evidence and witness testimony in front of a judge or jury. Mediation, while also less formal than courtroom proceedings, does not conclude with a binding decision like arbitration does, making arbitration the more formal of the two alternative dispute resolution processes.