ABSTRACT
In the context of a global pandemic and a resulting backlog of jury trials in the United States court system, this article explores the potential for employing a private jury system within the context of existing arbitration law to provide a third path for parties seeking an expedient resolution of disputes by juries when impediments exist to jury trial in court. After an introduction and background on the current state of the global SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and its effect on court backlogs, we outline the law applicable to private jury proceedings, including (a) whether an arbitral award predicated on a private jury determination is enforceable; and (b) the requirements and limitations of a private jury award. We then conclude with a brief analysis of the considerations parties seeking to employ private jury proceedings might implement to ensure such a proceeding leads to a full and fair hearing and an enforceable award.
Schooler, Lionel M and Gilman, Luke, Private Juries within the Arbitration Framework: A Third Path in Dispute Resolution (June 30, 2020). Pepperdine Dispute Resolution Law Journal, forthcoming.
First posted 2021-01-01 08:41:26
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