The Arbitration Clause in Context: How Contract Terms Do (and Do Not) Define the Process

25 Pages Posted: 16 May 2007

See all articles by Mark C. Weidemaier

Mark C. Weidemaier

University of North Carolina School of Law

Abstract

Mandatory arbitration has engendered a significant amount of debate, much of which focuses on the proper response the law should make to "one-sided" clauses - i.e., those that restrict the remedies and procedures available to individuals in arbitration. But how do we identify one-sided clauses? The answer seems simple: collect and evaluate the contracts. Consider, for example, an employment contract that provides: "We agree to resolve any and all disputes by binding arbitration, to be conducted in Philadelphia, PA under the then-applicable rules of American Arbitration Association or JAMS. The arbitrator may not award punitive or exemplary damages." Because this clause appears to prohibit awards of punitive damages and to require significant travel for individuals who live far from Philadelphia, it might fairly be termed "one-sided."

This Essay suggests, however, that arbitration clauses may paint an incomplete or even misleading picture of actual arbitration procedures and remedies. Indeed, seemingly one-sided clauses, like the one in my example employment contract, sometimes may yield a relatively even-handed disputing process. Conversely, seemingly even-handed clauses may obscure a one-sided process. This Essay explores these possibilities and offers two related insights. First, arbitration clauses are incomplete and possibly inaccurate signals of arbitration "fairness." Second, understanding arbitration as a legal, social, and contracting phenomenon may require sustained inquiry into the relationship between arbitration contracts and the rules and practices of arbitrators and arbitration providers.

Suggested Citation

Weidemaier, Mark C., The Arbitration Clause in Context: How Contract Terms Do (and Do Not) Define the Process. Creighton Law Review, Vol. 40, p. 655, 2007, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=986391

Mark C. Weidemaier (Contact Author)

University of North Carolina School of Law ( email )

Van Hecke-Wettach Hall, 160 Ridge Road
CB #3380
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3380
United States
919.843.4373 (Phone)

Do you have negative results from your research you’d like to share?

Paper statistics

Downloads
291
Abstract Views
5,318
Rank
190,856
PlumX Metrics