In an opinion that runs just over one page long, the New Jersey Supreme Court has affirmed the decision of the Appellate Division that upheld a provision of an arbitration agreement entered into by two “sophisticated business parties” which foreclosed appellate court review of the decision of an arbitrator, but finding the provision invalid to the extent that it foreclosed the right to initial judicial review, which would have deprived a court of the ability to vacate the award if it violated public policy. The contractual provision stated that the arbitrator’s decision would be “final, binding and conclusive” and “not subject to an appeal to any authority in any forum.” “Additionally, the parties forswore any legal action other than one to confirm or enforce (but not to vacate) the arbitration award.” After an award was entered, a trial court judge confirmed the award, and an appeal was filed. A motion to dismiss the appeal was filed, on the basis that the parties had expressly waived any right to appeal. The Appellate Division panel denied the motion to dismiss, and entered an opinion examining the award and upholding its validity, finding the absence of any grounds under the New Jersey Arbitration Act for vacating an award on the basis of public policy. In a single sentence, the Court mentioned that the “rare circumstances” that might justify an appellate court in vacating an arbitration award on public policy grounds might include bias or misconduct of the trial judge or unconscionability in the formation of the contract, and that none of these bases were present. The Court affirmed “substantially for the reasons expressed in” Appellate Division’s opinion. Van Duren v. Rzasa-Ormes, No. A-52-07 (N.J. June 19, 2008).
This post written by Rollie Goss.