Arbitration is a form of legal conflict resolution. It is a dispute resolution alternative similar to mediation or conciliation.Arbitration is a vehicle for resolving disputes, and is an alternative to litigation or mediation. Arbitration is when the parties to a dispute agree to let a neutral third partyan arbitratorhear the case and decide on a binding decision. 4 Consumer Arbitration Basics. Arbitration is a contract-based form of binding dispute resolution. Proper arbitration clauses waive a medical malpractice victim's right to a jury trial. Arbitration means a neutral third party, called an arbitrator, will rule over the custody proceeding instead of a judge. Self-representation means representing yourself in a legal matter, such as an arbitration case. What is arbitration for dummies?