Enterprise Wheel permits judicial scrutiny of labor arbitration awards to determine whether an award draws its essence from the collective bargaining agreement. The imprecision of that standard of judicial review has resulted in courts straying into the interpretation of pertinent contract terms when considering challenges to the enforcement of an award. Although reviewing courts are …

Reiterates position previously taken – that arbitrators are bound by the law. Rejects the Mittenthal formula (1968, p. 42). Cites arbitrators’ decisions on both sides of the debate. Discusses cases where courts have considered the merits of awards.

Examination of (1) whether arbitration is especially vulnerable to pressure incompatible with fair and even-handed dispute resolution; (2) the appropriate role of courts in reviewing arbitration decisions; and (3) the proper role of the arbitrator vis-?-vis statutory or policy issues in interpreting the agreement. Particular emphasis on a critique of arbitration by Judge (and former …

Report of the Committee on Law and Legislation – 1965