Arbitration is an alternative means of settling a dispute by impartial persons without proceeding to a court trial. It is sometimes preferred as a means of settling a matter in order to avoid the expense, delay, and acrimony of litigation. There is no discovery and there are simplified rules of evidence in arbitration. The arbitrator or arbitrators are selected directly by the parties or are chosen in accordance with the terms of a contract in which the parties have agreed to use a court-ordered arbitrator or an arbitrator from the American Arbitration Association. If there is no contract, usually each party chooses an arbitrator and the two arbitrators select a third to comprise the panel. When parties submit to arbitration, they agree to be bound by and comply with the arbitrators' decision. The arbitrators' decision is given after an informal proceeding where each side presents evidence and witnesses. Arbitration hearings usually last only a few hours and the opinions are not public record. Arbitration has long been used in labor, construction, and securities regulation, but is now gaining popularity in other business disputes.
A New Jersey Agreement to Submit to Arbitration — General is a legally binding contract that outlines the terms and conditions under which parties agree to resolve disputes through arbitration in the state of New Jersey. This agreement stipulates that any conflicts or disagreements between the parties must be resolved by an arbitrator, rather than through traditional litigation in a court of law. In this agreement, the parties involved voluntarily choose arbitration as a fair and efficient method for resolving their legal disputes. By signing the contract, they agree to waive their rights to a trial and instead submit their claims to a neutral third party (an arbitrator) who will make a final and binding decision on the matter. The New Jersey Agreement to Submit to Arbitration — General typically includes the following key elements: 1. Identification of the parties: This section clearly states the names and contact information of all parties involved in the agreement. This ensures that each party understands who is bound by the terms of the contract. 2. Arbitration clause: The agreement contains a specific clause that sets out the intention of the parties to submit any disputes to arbitration. This clause may also include details such as the governing arbitration rules and the preferred arbitration provider (e.g., American Arbitration Association). 3. Scope of disputes: This section defines the types of disputes or claims that are subject to arbitration. It outlines the specific issues or controversies that will be resolved through this alternative dispute resolution process. 4. Arbitrator selection: The agreement may specify how the arbitrator will be chosen, whether through mutual agreement between the parties or by following a specific procedure outlined in the arbitration clause. 5. Arbitration procedure: This section outlines the process that will be followed during the arbitration proceedings. It may include details regarding the location, the timeline for submitting evidence and arguments, the right to legal representation, and any confidentiality requirements. 6. Finality of decision: The agreement states that the decision rendered by the arbitrator will be final and binding on all parties involved. This means that the decision cannot be appealed to a court, except under limited circumstances such as fraud or misconduct. Different types or variations of the New Jersey Agreement to Submit to Arbitration — General may exist depending on the specific industry, context, or nature of the dispute. Some common types include: 1. Employment Arbitration Agreement: This type of agreement is specifically tailored for employers and employees, establishing arbitration as the preferred method for resolving employment-related disputes like wrongful termination, discrimination, or wage disputes. 2. Commercial Arbitration Agreement: This agreement is used in business-to-business transactions, where companies agree to submit any contractual disputes to arbitration rather than engaging in potentially lengthy and costly litigation. 3. Construction Arbitration Agreement: Developed specifically for the construction industry, this agreement details the resolution process for disputes arising from construction projects, such as delays, payment disputes, or claims for defective workmanship. In conclusion, a New Jersey Agreement to Submit to Arbitration — General is a comprehensive contract that binds parties to resolve their disputes through arbitration in New Jersey. By embracing this alternative dispute resolution method, the parties can potentially save time, costs, and maintain confidentiality while obtaining a final and enforceable decision from an arbitrator.