There are many differences between engaging in arbitration and going to court that you should know. If you have a legal dispute that you need to resolve, you will need to choose a venue for it. Since court and arbitration differ, understanding why to select one over the other is important.

Availability of Arbitration

Arbitration is available as a dispute resolution mechanism when the parties have signed an arbitration clause. This language in a legally binding agreement requires the people who signed the contract (and in some cases, related entities) to take disputes to arbitration instead of court. If one party files in court rather than following the contract's arbitration clause, the other party may succeed in compelling him or her to arbitration instead.

Arbitration involves a more informal process than court. The parties to the arbitration will exchange documents and information, and they may question witnesses or obtain statements before the arbitration hearing, although usually this is more limited than in court. After a short time – usually just a few months – the arbitrator will hold an arbitration hearing. At the informal hearing, the arbitrator listens to each side explain their positions and reviews relevant evidence. Then the arbitrator makes a decision on the dispute and usually gives the parties a written opinion. This opinion may be enforceable in court if needed.

How Is Court Different than Arbitration?

Without a signed arbitration clause, the parties are free to bring their dispute in court. Court is more slow-moving than arbitration, more formal, and stricter on following the rules. First, going to court simply takes longer than many arbitrations. Bahamian law provides timelines for parties to a dispute to file their claims, respond, and argue them in court. Judges rarely can waive these timelines. Arbitrators often have a lot of leeway to change rules or deadlines at the parties' request, while judges often have to follow the laws without altering them.

Further, hearings and trial in court can be very formal, but arbitration hearings are usually more informal. Discussions with the arbitrator may take place on the telephone, while the hearing itself may happen in a conference room or office. In contrast, court takes place in a formal courthouse and courtroom, with procedures and ceremony to follow. One of the benefits of court over arbitration, though, is that court decisions are more likely to be legally enforceable (without a separate court proceeding to enforce a decision).

While both court and arbitration are dispute resolution processes, some people may prefer one over the other. If you have an arbitration clause in your contract, you may have to go to arbitration. Otherwise, you can choose court or consider arbitration as another option.

To find out more about arbitrations, visit Gonsalves-Sabola Chambers online or call the office at +1 242 326 6400.

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