The popular name given to the procedure in which the court can (on stipulation of the parties) refer a pending lawsuit to a private neutral for trial with the same effect as though the case were tried in court. The verdict can be appealed through the regular appellate court system.

is a process in which the parties to a dispute present arguments and evidence to a neutral third party chosen on the basis of their experience as a member of the judiciary (the private judge) who makes a determination in accordance with their opinion as to what decision would be made if the matter was judicially determined. (NADRAC's Definitions Paper)

A procedure, allowed in some U.S. jurisdictions, where parties agree to hire a private judge, (usually retired judges or practicing attorneys) who hear the case and, render a decision which is appealable (sometimes called Rent-A-Judge).