Arbitration
Even though arbitrations are a method of resolving disputes outside of traditional courts, state and federal courts sometimes decide critical issues that affect arbitration proceedings. When a party required to arbitrate a dispute chooses instead to file an action in court, the opposing party may ask the court to compel arbitration. Additionally, a court may get involved in an arbitration proceeding when a party requests early “discovery in aid of arbitration” or seeks a temporary restraining order or a preliminary injunction in order to preserve a party’s rights pending an arbitration decision on the merits. After an arbitration has concluded, parties routinely request that a trial court vacate or confirm the arbitration award. Arbitration decisions of trial courts on issues such as these may be appealed and in this way reach federal and state appellate courts.