Americans generally disapprove of binding arbitration provisions in consumer contracts as an alternative to civil legal proceedings involving a judge or jury, according to a recent national poll by survey firm Peter D. Hart Research Associates Inc. According to the polling, when consumers learn that the company picks the arbitrator, and they give up their right to take the case to court and binding arbitration applies even if they are seriously injured, 81 percent disapprove.
The poll also shows broad support for Congressional legislation called the “Arbitration Fairness Act” that seeks to protect Americans from abusive arbitration agreements. The legislation would ensure that the decision to arbitrate be made voluntarily and after a dispute has arisen. In addition, the legislation enjoys very strong support across party lines with no statistically significant differences between Democrats (+38) and Republicans (+37). For more information on the poll results, contact Amaya Smith at amaya.smith@justice.org or 202-965-3500 x740.
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