Glossary
Every term you will meet in a case, defined in a sentence or two. No law degree required.
A private process for resolving a dispute. Both sides present their case, and a neutral decision-maker issues a final written decision. On Arbitration.Inc, our AI decides under our published Rules unless either side adds Human Review.
The written agreement in which both sides consent to resolve disputes by arbitration instead of court. It can live in a signed contract, in posted terms, or in community rules.
The final written decision in a case. It states who prevails and what, if anything, is owed.
The party who files the case. The claimant states what happened and what they believe they are owed.
A court order recognizing an arbitration award. A party can ask a court of competent jurisdiction to confirm the award, which turns it into a court judgment.
A claim the respondent files back against the claimant, decided in the same case.
The phase after the record closes, when the decision-maker reviews everything on file and prepares the award.
The official, chronological record of a case. Every filing, notice, and exhibit is entered on the docket.
What happens after an award is issued. A party can ask a court of competent jurisdiction to confirm the award, which turns it into a court judgment. Arbitration.Inc does not guarantee the enforceability of any award. Awards may be enforceable.
The phase when both parties may enter exhibits on the record for the decision-maker to review.
A document, photo, or record entered on the docket as evidence. A contract, an invoice, or a camera photo can each be an exhibit.
The federal statute governing arbitration in the United States since 1925. It treats written arbitration agreements as valid and lets courts confirm awards.
The independent decision-maker in a case, with no stake in the outcome, who decides on the record under the governing rules. On Arbitration.Inc, our AI decides by default, and either side can add Human Review.
Resolving a dispute through an online forum instead of a courtroom or hearing room, from filing through the final decision.
The docketed record showing the respondent was properly notified, including delivery confirmations.
The party a claim is filed against. The respondent is served with notice and may respond, settle, or file a counterclaim.
The legal home of the arbitration, stated as a city and state on the case record. The seat helps determine which courts handle confirmation.
Formal delivery of the notice of arbitration to the respondent, typically by email, so they know a case has been filed and how to respond.
An agreement between the parties that resolves the dispute before the case is decided. Parties can settle at any point in a case.
The claimant's written account of the dispute: what happened, the amount at stake, and what they are asking for.
The respondent's written answer to the claim, giving their side of the dispute.
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