Circuit City Stores, Inc. v. Curry
Circuit City Stores, Inc. and Diana Beaufils filed an original petition for writ of mandamus challenging the trial court’s denial of their request to compel Ronald Giacoma to arbitration. Giacoma, a former employee, initially agreed to an arbitration program but later sued for retaliatory discharge after being fired. The court examined whether an enforceable arbitration agreement existed, considering Giacoma's arguments of no agreement, fraudulent inducement, and unconscionability. The appellate court found a valid agreement under the Federal Arbitration Act and determined the trial court abused its discretion by not enforcing it. Consequently, the writ of mandamus was conditionally granted, ordering arbitration and a stay of the civil action.