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S. 1782, The Arbitration Fairness Act of 2007
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Visitor Comments
Cindy
I support the Arbitration Fairness Act. The original intent of the Fed. Arbitration Act needs to be restored. Customers are not at equal strength and do not do repeat business with arbitrators. Corporations do. Arbitration keeps numerous complaints out of public record, which means other consumers can't make informed decisions when they do their research before buying. If arbitration was so great consumers would voluntarily agree to it and not have to be forced. If you want to buy a car, house, computer, software, sports event ticket, go into a nursing home, get medical care, etc, you are almost certainly going to have to agree to arbitration or do without. People who think it's optional haven't been following what's going on.
Al
Forced signature on arbitration agreements to do business with a company/corporation with the complicity of government and the courts is proof positive that both the government and courts are wholly owned subsidaries of corporate america.
Fred
Small businesses are also impacted by the ability to append arbitration to their contracts. In a legal environment where settlements, and/or judicial awards have gotten way out of the realm of reality, small and large businesses have to be protected.
eleanor
I complied with arbitration and paid the award with a subprime mortgage over three years ago. My money has been missing for all this time - my accounts remain deliquent and court refused to enforce compliance with my payment (large sum). Instead, the court sent me back to arbitration where my claims remain unaddressed. Fortunately, I have a pro-bono attorney who works endlessly for me. We have filed a new federal district court claim this time evidencing a false HUD statement for the refinancing. Washington has refused to listen to me. I have been contacting everyone possible for help. No one will help me. Our mighty US legal system - as it once stood - no longer exists.
Eleanor
Gene
As a person in business that deals in contracts, the ability to have predispute arbitration is essential. There are SO many people in the world that believe that business is rich. If those people can find a reason to sue the business, the people could get a big fat check. In my 20+ years of business I find the predator to be the people. Most business that gets sued or a bad rep is from bottom feeding people looking to scam business. The court system (jury trial) is anti business.
Gordon
An increasing number of Bank Credit Card companies are adding Arbitration causes to their agreements (you know, the really small print flyers that they stick in with your bill). Since the National Arbitration Forum's (NAF) major support comes from the C.C. Banks, I wonder which party wins the award? Duh! You have no recourse except in court.
If you participate in any way, including responding the the NAF that you didn't agree to arbitration, the courts will say you agreed because you participated when you responded. If you agreed to the arbitration (by your participation) even though you claimed you don't agree,the courts will grant the Credit Card company a summary judgment anyway. Reason: The courts aren't that as interested in justice on a credit card issue as they are on not tying up the court. It's an easy way out for the court, and the consumer is assumed to be guilty. So much for justice!
It is a gross misuse of justice.
Beth
I think it is time we speak up for our rights and should have due process in all courts. What are they going to take away from us next? Binding arbitration written in small print is another way to stick it to us wonderful US citizens. Banks dictate what they want and they seem to get it. Well they aren't looking too godd now are they? :)
Mary
I just lost in court to vacate an arbitration award from a brokerage firm I worked for where they charged me with legal fees based on an arbitration agreement I signed . Not only were Mo laws broken by the firm but the arbitrator was a liar and I showed proof. No justice at all!
Sandra
I do not support the Arbitration Fairness Act. Arbitrators are more likely to be fair to small consumers than the courts, and lawyers will only take cases if they can make money -- thus, only the bid money cases get resolved. Arbitration is more likely to be an effective remedy than courts. With respect to "public policy" matters like civil rights, those are already exlcuded from arbitration under the existing law. This bill will not promote justice, but will promote more fees for trial lawyers.
Lucas
NAF is a scam. 99% of the awards go to business. San Francisco city filed a lawsuit against NAF and Bank of America. This arbitration fraud can not go on. It needs to stop. Best way is the passing of this bill