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Forewarned is forearmed. Mandatory arbitration is a crucial civil rights issue that affects every single person in the United States, one way or another. Using mandatory arbitration, corporations are systematically undermining our constitutional Seventh Amendment civil rights.

In my recent interview with Eric Dye on the Entrepreneur Podcast Network, I explain why every citizen needs to know about mandatory arbitration and what we all can do to fight it. I also explain eight negative consequences of the use of mandatory arbitration by large corporations.  Here is a preview:

  • Biased Decision Makers. Since only companies hire arbitrators for repeat business, there is a disincentive to rule against the corporation. In fact, a recent survey by the CFPB found that in mandatory arbitration, the corporation wins 93% of the time.
  • Higher Costs for Resolving Disputes. Rather than being able to hire a contingent-fee lawyer (in which there are no up-front fees, mandatory arbitration often requires steep filing fees just to initiate claim PLUS payment of one-half of the arbitrator’s hourly charges. Moreover, they can force you to travel to any location they choose for the arbitration!
  • Juries are Silenced. The jury system is an important safety mechanism in our country. Juries ultimately get to decide what is and is not appropriate corporate behavior. Replacing juries with company-paid arbitrators cuts the voice of the people out of the equation.
  • Court proceedings are open to public scrutiny whereas most mandatory arbitration clauses require total secrecy and confidentiality, even if the case raises important health or safety issues!

To hear more including an additional four attacks on your rights that mandatory arbitration creates, click here to listen to the interview. In the interview, you will learn:

What is mandatory arbitration?

Where do mandatory arbitration clauses appear?

What are some examples?

Why does mandatory arbitration exist?

What are the effects of mandatory arbitration on average citizens?

What can one do to fight mandatory arbitration?

Take a few minutes to arm yourself with the knowledge needed to protect the rights of yourself and your family. You’ll be glad you did!

© Copyright 2015 Michael J. Swanson

You can contact Mr. Swanson by clicking here.

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