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Simple English definitions for legal terms
arbitrator
Read a random definition: magna neglegentia
A quick definition of arbitrator:
An arbitrator is someone who helps people solve problems when they can't agree on their own. They are like a referee in a game, but for arguments. They listen to both sides and make a decision that both sides have to follow. Sometimes there is only one arbitrator, and sometimes there are a few. They have to be fair and not take sides. If someone thinks the arbitrator was not fair, they can ask someone else to look at the decision again.
A more thorough explanation:
An arbitrator is a person who is chosen to be a neutral third party in a process called arbitration. Arbitration is a way to solve a disagreement between two parties without going to court. The arbitrator listens to both sides of the argument and makes a decision that both parties agree to follow.
Each state has its own requirements for becoming an arbitrator. For example, in Cook County, Illinois, a person must be a lawyer to be an arbitrator. In New York, non-lawyers can also be arbitrators if they have experience with disputes.
Arbitration can be overseen by one arbitrator or a group of arbitrators. The arbitrator(s) have the power to make decisions that both parties must follow. However, if one party can prove that the arbitrator was biased or did something wrong, the decision can be overturned.
Two neighbors are arguing about a fence that one of them put up. They can't agree on where the fence should be. They decide to use arbitration to solve the problem. They choose an arbitrator who listens to both sides and makes a decision about where the fence should be. Both neighbors agree to follow the decision.
In this example, the arbitrator is a neutral third party who helps the neighbors solve their disagreement without going to court.