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Quasi-Judicial Immunity: The Arbitrator's Shield Or Sword, Robert M. Carroll

Journal of Dispute Resolution

With the rising number of divorces in today's society 2 and with the national emphasis to resolve child custody disputes through alternative forms of dispute resolution,3 the ability to hold arbitrators accountable for their actions within settlement conferences is becoming a prevalent issue. Arbitrators and mediators, commonly outside of the court's supervision, are now determining the best interests of the child, a role traditionally reserved to the courts.4 This increase of out-of-court settlements creates a need for certain standards which hold these quasi-judicial officers responsible for their decisions and liable for their actions. The court in Howard v. Drapkin addressed …