Arbitrators Can Decide Validity Of Arbitration Provision In Construction Contracts

Binding arbitration of construction disputes is frequently required by standard industry contracts. For example, the contract forms published by the American Institute of Architects either require or provide an option for arbitration under the Construction Industry Rules of the American Arbitration Association ("AAA"). The latter rules authorize the arbitrator to decide whether the contractual arbitration agreement is enforceable. (See, e.g. Rule 9 of AAA Construction Industry Rules). However some courts have decided this issue should be determined by the courts, rather than the arbitrator. 

But a recent Supreme Court decision determined that an arbitrator can decide enforceability issues if the arbitration clause expressly provides such authority, similar to the AAA Rule 9. In Rent-A-Center West, Inc. v. Jackson, the United States Supreme Court held in a 5-4 decision that under the Federal Arbitration Act ("FAA"), a contractual arbitration clause which "clearly and