Class action waiver in the context of "Arbitration"

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⭐ Core Definition: Class action waiver

A class action waiver is a provision found in some contracts which prohibits a party from filing a class action legal proceeding against the other party, or both parties waiving the right to file class actions against each other. Though used internationally, class action waivers, just like class action lawsuits, are predominantly an American phenomenon and most frequently both found and upheld in the United States and agreements with American citizens.

Class action waivers may be found on a standalone basis, though they are more commonly found as part of an arbitration clause, and when paired with such clauses, frequently include jury trial waivers. All three clauses are the subject to controversy and wide legal debate, with supporters claiming the tools are strong risk management tools and the expense that class action litigation presents both in regard to time and money, though advocacy groups argue that these clauses reduce the rights of consumers and employees and prevent companies from being held accountable for grievances such as wage and hour violations.

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👉 Class action waiver in the context of Arbitration

Arbitration is a formal method of dispute resolution involving a third party neutral who makes a binding decision. The neutral third party (the 'arbitrator', 'arbiter' or 'arbitral tribunal') renders the decision in the form of an 'arbitration award'. An arbitration award is legally binding on both sides and enforceable in local courts, unless all parties stipulate that the arbitration process and decision are non-binding.

Arbitration is often used for the resolution of commercial disputes, particularly in the context of international commercial transactions. In certain countries, such as the United States, arbitration is also frequently employed in consumer and employment matters, where arbitration may be mandated by the terms of employment or commercial contracts and may include a waiver of the right to bring a class action claim. Mandatory consumer and employment arbitration should be distinguished from consensual arbitration, particularly commercial arbitration.

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Class action waiver in the context of Arbitration clause

In contract law, an arbitration clause is a clause in a contract that requires the parties to resolve their disputes through an arbitration process. Although such a clause may or may not specify that arbitration occur within a specific jurisdiction, it always binds the parties to a type of resolution outside the courts, and is therefore considered a kind of forum selection clause.

Arbitration clauses are frequently paired with class action waivers, which prevent contracting parties to file class action lawsuits against each other. In the United States, arbitration clauses also often include a provision which requires parties to waive their rights to a jury trial. All three provisions have attained significant amounts of support and controversy, with proponents arguing that arbitration is as fair as courts and a more informal, speedier way to resolve disputes, while opponents of arbitration condemn the clauses for giving limited appeal options and allowing large corporations to effectively silence claims through "private justice".

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