Document: 500 U.S. 20 111 S.Ct. 1647 114 L.Ed.2d 26 Robert D. GILMER, Petitionerv.INTERSTATE/JOHNSON LANE CORPORATION. No. 90-18. Argued Jan. 14, 1991. Decided May 13, Syllabus Petitioner Gilmer was required by respondent, his employer, to register as a securities representative with, among others, the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). His registration application contained, inter alia, an agreement arbitrate when NYSE rules. Rule 347 provides for arbitration of any controversy arising out registered representative's employment or termination employment. Respondent terminated Gilmer's at age 62. Thereafter, he filed charge with Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and brought suit in District Court, alleging that had been discharged violation Age Discrimination Act 1967 (ADEA). moved compel arbitration, relying on Federal Arbitration (FAA). The court denied motion, based Alexander v. Gardner-Denver Co., 415 36, 94 1011, 39 147—which held employee's under Title VII Civil Rights 1964 is not foreclosed prior submission claim terms collective-bargaining agreement—and because it concluded Congress intended protect ADEA claimants from waiver judicial forum. Court Appeals reversed. Held: An can be subjected compulsory arbitration. Pp. 24-35. (a) Statutory claims may subject agreement, enforceable pursuant FAA. See, e.g., Mitsubishi Motors Corp. Soler Chrysler-Plymouth, Inc., 473 614, 105 3346, 87 444. Since FAA manifests liberal federal policy favoring Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital Mercury Construction Corp., 460 1, 24, 103 927, 941, 74 765, since neither text nor legislative history explicitly precludes bound unless show inherent conflict between ADEA's underlying purposes. 24-26. (b) There no inconsistency important social policies furthered enforcing agreements discrimination claims. While focuses specific disputes parties involved, so does resolution claims, yet both further broader Various other laws, including antitrust laws civil provisions Racketeer Influenced Corrupt Organizations (RICO), are designed advance public policies, but them appropriate Nor will undermine EEOC's role enforcement, claimant free file EEOC even if precluded instituting suit; has independent authority investigate discrimination; indicate involved all disputes; administrative agency's mere involvement statute's enforcement insufficient preclude see, Rodriguez de Quijas Shearson/American Express, 490 477, 109 1917, 104 526. Moreover, improperly deprive forum provided ADEA: did nonjudicial resolutions; flexible approach resolution, which permits pursue informal methods, suggests out-of-court dispute consistent statutory scheme; Congress' grant concurrent jurisdiction over state courts, also advances objective allowing right select 27-29. (c) challenges adequacy procedures This declines indulge speculation arbitral body retain competent, conscientious, impartial arbitrators, especially rules against biased panels. there merit argument limited discovery permitted make difficult prove discrimination, unlikely such require more extensive than RICO showing allow him fair opportunity claim. arbitrators issue written opinions, resulting lack knowledge employers' discriminatory inability obtain effective appellate review, stifling law's development, rejected, awards writing made available public; decisions continue issued without agreements; applies equally settlements inadequate they do provide broad equitable relief unpersuasive well, have power fashion relief; restrict type arbitrator award collective provision possibility action mean individual attempts conciliation barred; itself seeking class-wide relief. 30-32. (d) unequal bargaining employers employees sufficient reason hold never context. Cf., Quijas, supra, 484, S.Ct., 1921-1922. Such best left cases. Here, indication Gilmer, experienced businessman, coerced defrauded into agreeing clause. P. 32-33. (e) reliance 147, its progeny, misplaced. Those cases whether contract-based subsequent enforceability those occurred context thus concern about tension representation rights applicable this case. And were decided 33-35. 895 F.2d 195, (CA4 1990) affirmed. WHITE, J., delivered opinion REHNQUIST, C.J., BLACKMUN, O'CONNOR, SCALIA, KENNEDY, SOUTER, JJ., joined. STEVENS, dissenting opinion, MARSHALL, joined, post, p. ----. John T. Allred, Charlotte, N.C., petitioner. James B. Spears, Jr., Greenville, S.C., respondent. Justice WHITE Court. 1 question presented case (ADEA), 81 Stat. 602, amended, 29 U.S.C. § 621 et seq., application. could, 195 1990), we affirm. 2 * Interstate/Johnson Lane Corporation (Interstate) hired petitioner Manager Financial Services 1981. As employment, several stock exchanges, See App. 15-18. application, entitled "Uniform Application Securities Industry Registration Transfer," provided, things, "agree[d] dispute, controversy" Interstate "that arbitrated rules, constitutions by-laws organizations I register." Id., 18. Of relevance case, "[a]ny member organization representative." Brief 1. 3 1987, time 62 years age. After first filing (EEOC), subsequently United States Western North Carolina, age, ADEA. In response complaint, motion relied upon well (FAA), 9 seq. Interstate's Court's decision 147 (1974), "Congress forum." 87. Fourth Circuit reversed, finding "nothing text, history, purposes indicating congressional intent agreements." F.2d, 197. We granted certiorari, 498 809, 41, 112 18 (1990), resolve Courts regarding arbitrability claims.1 II 4 originally enacted 1925, 43 883, then reenacted codified 1947 Code. Its purpose reverse longstanding hostility existed English common law adopted American place same footing contracts. Dean Witter Reynolds Inc. Byrd, 470 213, 219-220, n. 6, 1238, 1241-1242, 84 158 (1985); Scherk Alberto-Culver 417 506, 510, 4, 2449, 2453, 41 270 (1974). primary substantive states "[a] maritime transaction contract evidencing involving commerce settle thereafter . shall valid, irrevocable, enforceable, save grounds exist equity revocation contract." 2. stays proceedings district courts proceeding referable 3, orders compelling one party failed, neglected, refused comply 4. These manifest "liberal 765 (1983).2 It now clear Indeed, recent relating Sherman Act, 15 §§ 1-7; 10(b) 1934, 78j(b); 1961 seq.; 12(2) 1933, 77l(2). 444 Express McMahon, 482 220, 107 2332, 96 185 (1987); 526 (1989). these recognized "[b]y claim, forgo afforded statute; only submits their arbitral, rather judicial, Mitsubishi, U.S., 628, 3354. 5 Although "[h]aving bargain arbitrate, should evinced intention remedies issue." Ibid. regard, note burden 227, 2337. If exists, discoverable ADEA, "inherent conflict" ibid. Throughout inquiry, kept mind "questions must addressed healthy regard arbitration." Cone, 941. III 6 concedes nothing He argues, however, would inconsistent framework Like Appeals, disagree. A. 7 "to promote older persons ability age; prohibit arbitrary employment; [and] help workers find ways meeting problems impact employment." 621(b). To achieve goals, makes unlawful employer fail refuse hire discharge otherwise discriminate respect compensation, terms, conditions, privileges individual's age." 623(a)(1). proscription enforced private suits EEOC. order aggrieved bring she wait least 60 days. 626(d). sue extinguished, institutes employer. 626(c)(1). Before action, though, "attempt eliminate practice practices alleged, effect voluntary compliance requirements chapter through methods conciliation, conference, persuasion." 626(b); see CFR 1626.15 (1990). 8 contends, address grievances, policies. Wyoming, 226, 231, 1054, 1057-1058, 75 (1983). perceive true involved. said, Both mechanisms nevertheless RICO, 1933 but, noted above, statutes "[S]o long prospective litigant effectively vindicate [his her] cause forum, statute serve remedial deterrent function." 637, 3359. unpersuaded still EEOC, though able institute action. event, combating dependent charge; agency receive information concerning alleged violations "from source," discrimination. 1626.4, 1626.13 indicates disputes. settled, example, involvement. Coventry Steel 856 514, 522 (CA3 1988); Moore McGraw Edison 804 1026, 1033 (CA8 1986); Runyan National Cash Register 787 1039, 1045 (CA6), cert. denied, 479 850, 178, 93 (1986).3 Finally, For heavily 1934 10 argues improper deprives Congress, nonjudicialresolution amendments "[I]f protection [by ADEA] include deducible history." ignores directed "informal persuasion," 626(b), scheme established Congress. addition, 626(c)(1) (allowing "in competent jurisdiction"), agreements, "like jurisdiction, [claimants] resolving disputes, otherwise." 483, 1921. B 11 arguing raises host procedures. Initially, our already rejected most arguments generalized attacks "res[t] suspicion method weakening protections would-be complainants," such, "far step current strong endorsement disputes." 481, 1920. Consequently, briefly. 12 speculates panels biased. However, "[w]e decline presumption conducting unable unwilling conscientious arbitrators." 634, 3357-3358. require, informed histories allowed inquiries arbitrators' backgrounds. CCH Guide ¶ 2608, 4314 (Rule 608) (1991) (hereinafter N.Y.S.E. Guide). each peremptory challenge unlimited cause. 2609, 4315 609). disclose "any circumstances might [them] rendering determination." 2610, 610). protects bias, providing overturn "[w]here evident partiality corruption 10(b). guard potential bias. 13 complains contends unlikely, found arbitrable, provisions, document production, requests, depositions, subpoenas, 2619, pp. 4318-4320 619); Order Approving Proposed Changes StockExchange, Nat. Assn. Dealers, Exchange, Relating Process Use Predispute Clauses, 54 Fed.Reg. 21144, 21149-21151 (1989), present "trades review courtroom simplicity, informality, expedition counterweight reduced evidence. 2620, 4320 620). 14 A deficiency often resulting, development law. writing, contain names parties, summary issues controversy, description issued. id., &Par; 2627(a), (e), 4321 627(a), (e)). public. 2627(f), 4322 627(f)). Furthermore, addressing agreements. concerns apply which, clearly allowed.4 argued cannot adequately class actions. below noted, 199-200. here types award, merely refer "damages and/or relief." 2627(e), 627(e)). proceedings. 2612(d), 4317 612(d)). But "even could go forward arbitrator, fact [ADEA] bringing barred." Nicholson CPC Int'l 877 221, 241 1989) (Becker, dissenting). remembered actions C 16 additional advanced refusing enforce contention employees. Mere inequality power, Relationships dealers investors, involve McMahon enforceable. 1921-1922; 230, 2339-2340. discussed FAA'spurpose Thus, "save "Of course, remain attuned well-supported resulted sort fraud overwhelming economic 'for contract.' " 627, clause claimed procedural inadequacies IV 17 addition vigorously asserts progeny—Barrentine Arkansas-Best Freight System, 450 728, 101 1437, 67 641 (1981), McDonald West Branch, 466 284, 1799, 80 302 (1984)—preclude cases, Gardner-Denver, employee whose grievance conduct grievance. holding stressed contractual distinct rights: 19 "In submitting seeks agreement. By contrast, lawsuit VII, accorded distinctly separate nature vitiated violated result factual occurrence." 49-50, 1020. labor questions rights. 53-54, 1022-1023. arbitrator's "task effectuate parties" "general invoke parties." 53, 1022. decision. Rather, asserting process." 54, expressed "the interests subordinated unit." 58, 19, 1024, 19.5 21 Barrentine similarly precluded, difference rights, disparity union employee, arbitrators. 22 distinctions line before us. First, quite different agreed authorized understandably Second, represented unions therefore FAA, reflects 625, 3353. Therefore, basis V 23 conclude met enacting Act. Accordingly, judgment 24 Affirmed. whom MARSHALL joins, dissenting. 25 Section (FAA) states: "[N]othing herein contained contracts seamen, railroad employees, engaged foreign interstate commerce." 27 today, compels clauses issue, skirts antecedent coverage extends contracts, regardless matter issue. my specifically exempt respondent cannot, submit binding 28 not, majority correctly notes, ante, 25, 2, raise applicability stage below. petition writ certiorari amici who raised briefs support oral Federation Labor Industrial Amicus Curiae; Association Retired Persons Lawyers' Committee Under Law Curiae 17-18. Notwithstanding apparent below, believe reach disposition On number occasions, considered waived integral "fairly subsumed" actual presented. Teague Lane, 489 288, 300, 1060, 1069-1070, 334 (1989) ("The retroactivity petitioner's cross section amicus brief. Nevertheless, Batson sua sponte consideration far novel" (citations omitted)); Kentucky, 476 79, 84-85, 106 1712, 1716, 90 69 (1986) (notwithstanding seemingly deliberate failure equal agree State properly turns principles express view merits Sixth Amendment arguments"); Mapp Ohio, 367 643, 646, 1684, 1686, 1081 (1961) ("Although appellant chose urge what appeared surer ground favorable insist Wolf [v. Colorado, 338 1359, L.Ed. 1782 (1949) ] overruled, curiae, participate argument, overrule "). R. Stern, E. Gressman, & S. Shapiro, Supreme Practice 6.26 (6th ed. 1986) (describing rule need presenting deviations rule). 30 Only Term, two occasions petitions certiorari. Arcadia Ohio Power 73, 415, 374 papers point during view, however," "antecedent [issues presented] ultimately dispositive dispute." 77, 418. Similarly, McCleskey Zant, 499 467, 1454, 113 517 (1991), evidently anticipated "since mention [Wainwright v.] Sykes [433 72, 97 2497, 53 594], cause-and-prejudice brief much less request adopt standard." 522-523, 1485 (MARSHALL, 31 considerations favor reaching cited Here briefed More important, full argue opposition. 42-50; Association, 18-20; Advisory Council al. Amici 14-16. amply sides notice fully prepared question. Arcadia, covers dispositive" rely 32 declining concludes "it inappropriate scope exclusion being Interstate." Ante, too narrowly construes 33 little animating perceived business community common-law entities. drafted committee Bar (ABA), acting instructions ABA consider report extension principle commercial Report Forty-third Annual Meeting ABA, 45 A.B.A.Rep. (1920). At Senate Judiciary Subcommittee hearings proposed bill, chairman responsible drafting bill assured Senators "is [to] act referring all. purely give merchants privilege sitting down damages are, want it. Now this." Hearing 4213 4214 Judiciary, 67th Cong., 4th Sess., (1923). hearing, Senator Walsh stated: 34 "The trouble great many entered really [voluntary] things Take insurance policy; blank You take you leave agent decide Either contract. good man says, 'These terms. All right, it.' Well, except sign it; surrenders tried court, tribunal confidence all." Given exclude employers, limit "Contract Employment." conceded "contract employment" was, condition become Just "dispute, arose relationship think compelled employment-related dispute. interpreted cover relationship, particularly where conditions 35 My reading supported early interpretations 1956, three FAA's "contracts referred Lincoln Mills Ala. Textile Workers Union America, 230 (CA5 1956), rev'd, 353 448, 77 912, 972 (1957); Electrical, Radio Machine America Miller Metal Products, 215 221 1954); Amalgamated Street, Electric Motor Coach Employees Pennsylvania Greyhound Lines, 192 310 1951). exclusionary length companion Goodall-Sanford, Workers, 550, 920, 1031 (1957), General Co. Electrical 547, 921, 1028 (1957). reference 301 Management Relations 1947, 185, reject Appeals' holdings excluded dissent, Frankfurter 36 "rejection, explicit, availability silent treatment given opinion. authorizes generally, denies decree remedy 'contracts employment,' available, hardly spin empty darkness 301. rejection recognizing passed legislation enable saw fit contracts." Mills, 466, 926. 37 Not general, conflicts particular. previously authorizing injunctive cornerstone eliminating society. Albemarle Paper Moody, 422 405, 95 2362, 2370, 280 (1975). like 1964, broad, class-based 626(b). Because typically particular forums generally relief, Shell, ERISA Other Statutes: When Commercial "Adequate Substitute" Courts?, 68 Texas L.Rev. 509, 568 essential frustrated Chief Burger explained: 38 "Plainly, comport objectives behind protected very forces practiced away courts. defer reached combination perpetuated invidious foxes guardians chickens." 750, 1449-1450, (1981) (dissenting opinion). said today eviscerates played judiciary eradicating 40 doubt legislator voted expected form relationship. years, "has rewritten statute",1 abandoned earlier subjects 646-651, 3363-3367, (1985) (STEVENS, persuaded erred doing so,2 put side entire industry, hand, customer other. Until read broadly encompassing erroneous. respectfully dissent. Compare 1989). Several curiae excludes below; there; requires writing. 3. record us show, contend, Interstate. lower uniformly inapplicable applications. Dickstein DuPont, 443 783 (CA1 1971); Malison Prudential-Bache Securities, 654 F.Supp. 101, (WDNC 1987); Legg, Mason Mackall Coe, 351 1367 (DC 1972); Tonetti Shirley, 219 Cal.Rptr. 616, 618, 173 Cal.App.3d 1144 Stokes Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner Smith, 523 433, 436 (CA6 1975). implicitly assumed Perry Thomas, 2520, 426 (1987), former firm wage Unlike 38-41, choose follow plain language weight authority, 1's another day curiae. recently Older Benefit Protection Pub.L. 101-433, 978, amended "[a]n waive knowing voluntary." 201. specified certain voluntary. limited. stated, "although scrutiny necessarily limited, ensure statute" 232, 2340, (1987). inferior process 57-58, 1024-1025. That "mistrust process," undermined decisions. 231-232, 2340. "[W]e past desirability competence tribunals inhibited alternative means resolution." 626-627, 3354, (1985). 493, 2527, (1987) dissenting); 494, 2528 (O'CONNOR, Southland Keating, 465 852, 871, 79 (1984) dissenting) ("[T]oday's exercise revisionism goes far"). 252-253, 2351-2352, (BLACKMUN, concurring part part); 268, 2359 486, 1922-1923,

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