In an effort to streamline the judicial process and expedite resolution of civil disputes, the Alaska courts have launched a new arbitration program. The program, which officially began on February 19, 2026, aims to provide parties with a quicker and more cost-effective alternative to traditional litigation.Under the new program, parties involved in civil disputes can choose to have their case heard by a neutral arbitrator rather than going through the lengthy court process. The arbitrator, who is trained and certified by the state, will hear arguments from both sides, review evidence, and ultimately make a decision on the case.One of the main advantages of arbitration is that it typically takes less time than traditional litigation. Cases heard through arbitration can be resolved in a matter of weeks or months, as opposed to the years it can take for cases to make their way through the court system. This can save parties both time and money in legal fees and other costs associated with litigation.Additionally, arbitration can offer parties more flexibility in resolving their disputes. Unlike court cases, which are often limited to what a judge can award, parties can agree to a wider range of remedies through arbitration. This can be particularly beneficial in cases where the parties are looking for creative solutions or would like to maintain a working relationship after the dispute is resolved.The new arbitration program has already received positive feedback from legal professionals and the community at large. Many see it as a positive step towards improving access to justice and reducing the backlog of cases in the court system.Chief Justice of the Alaska Supreme Court, John Doe, spoke about the program in a press release, stating, "We are excited to launch this new arbitration program as we believe it will provide parties with a more efficient and effective way to resolve their disputes. We hope that this program will help alleviate some of the strain on our court system and ultimately benefit the people of Alaska."Parties interested in participating in the arbitration program can contact the Alaska courts for more information on how to get started.