In addition to a lack of clarity regarding the avenues through which class arbitration may survive, debate surrounding class arbitration will likely continue, which will fuel uncertainty about class arbitration’s future.  Several areas of debate seem to be especially contentious.

A. The nature of arbitration

As mentioned, in Concepcion, Stolt-Nielsen, and Italian Colors, the majority declares that class arbitrationis inconsistent with bilateral arbitration.[i]  Stolt-Nielsen and Concepcion most clearly describe the Supreme Court’s current view on the nature of arbitration by emphasizing how the shift from individual to class proceedings introduces changes that are “fundamental,” including the introduction of absent parties, different procedures, and higher stakes.[ii]  Is the Supreme Court correct or is it misconstruing the true nature of arbitration?

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