In re the Arbitration between Thompson & S.L.T. Ready-Mix
The petitioner sought to confirm an arbitration award against the respondent for re-employment and damages. After the matter was remitted for a rehearing on damages, the respondent requested extensive discovery which the Supreme Court denied pre-hearing. At a rescheduled hearing, the respondent subpoenaed the documents, but the petitioner did not produce them, and the arbitrator never ordered compliance. The arbitrator questioned the petitioner on relevant issues, and the respondent participated under protest. The arbitrator awarded $9,443 plus interest. The Supreme Court confirmed the award, and the respondent appealed. The appellate court affirmed, finding no arbitrator misconduct in refusing discovery or failing to apply substantive law on mitigation, as arbitrators are not bound by strict rules of evidence or law. The court also declined to impose sanctions against the respondent.