Arbitration is a dispute resolution process where the opposing parties select or appoint an individual called an Arbitrator. Upon appointment, the Arbitrator will arrange the process to hear and consider the evidence, review arguments and afterwards will publish an award in which the items of dispute are decided.

In some cases the Arbitrator can conduct the arbitration on documents evidence only. When published the Arbitrator's decisions are final and binding on the parties. It is rare for an arbitration to be appealed to the courts. An arbitration may comprise a sole Arbitrator, or may be a panel of Arbitrators.