The Verge5/14/2026Law4 min readUnited States
When Companies Run the Courts: The Rise of Forced Arbitration
Quick Look
- Brendan Ballou discusses his book on the rise of forced arbitration, a system where consumers and employees are funneled into private justice systems, often preventing them from seeking redress in court.
- This practice, embedded in terms of service agreements, heavily favors corporations.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Forced arbitration clauses are ubiquitous in consumer agreements, limiting access to justice.
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Interview transcript about forced arbitration, its impact, and the legal challenges against corporations like Disney and Paramount, including the specific case of Jeffrey Piccolo and the broader implications of arbitration on consumer rights.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Increased state-level action against forced arbitration
Likely · Within months
Open Questions
- Will state AGs effectively use their powers to combat corruption?
- Can private plaintiffs successfully challenge forced arbitration?
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This article was originally published by The Verge.
