Arbitration is a form of alternative dispute resolution in which the disputing parties agree to have their case heard by a neutral third party, called an arbitrator, who will make a binding decision on the outcome of the dispute. Arbitration is often used as a faster and less formal alternative to litigation in resolving legal disputes, particularly in commercial and international matters. The arbitration process is typically confidential and allows for greater flexibility in scheduling and procedural rules compared to traditional court proceedings. It is governed by the laws of the jurisdiction in which the arbitration is conducted and the parties usually agree to abide by the arbitrator's decision, which can be enforced through the legal system if necessary.