Earthjustice Applauds Reintroduction of the FAIR Act

Today, Rep. Hank Johnson (D-GA) and Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) reintroduced the Forced Arbitration Injustice Repeal (FAIR) Act. The legislation would put an end to the practice of ‘forced arbitration,’ a process used by large corporations to block everyday people from bringing claims of harm before a judge or jury.  

Forced arbitration is highly secretive, tilted to favor corporate interests, and often denies justice to the real victims of crimes and misconduct. The FAIR Act would apply to cases involving consumers, civil rights, employment, and antitrust violations and ensure those seeking justice can do so in state and federal courts. After the reintroduction of the bill, Earthjustice Legislative Director of Access to Justice Coby Dolan issued the following statement:  

“Forced arbitration is a shameful practice that empowers and protects abusers and corporate powers while trampling on the rights of victims to seek justice in the courts. The FAIR Act is a necessary step to ensuring that justice isn’t contingent on a corporation’s best interests, but the needs of individuals experiencing harm. Ending this deeply unjust practice is about building a future grounded in justice, where everyone can hold the powerful accountable in court. Earthjustice thanks Rep. Johnson, Senator Blumenthal, and the other congressional representatives for giving this issue the attention it deserves and keeping the courthouse doors open to those who need it.”