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No. 23-3October Term 2023Decided May 23, 2024

Docket 23-3October Term 2023 (2023–2024)

Coinbase v. Suski

The Supreme Court unanimously ruled that when parties execute two conflicting contracts—one mandating arbitration and a later one sending disputes to court—a judge, rather than an arbitrator, must decide which agreement governs.

Case status

Current stage
Decided
Latest event
Decision released May 23, 2024
Case AcceptedNov 3, 2023
Arguments HeardFeb 28, 2024
Decision ReleasedMay 23, 2024
What it's about

The Supreme Court unanimously ruled that when parties execute two conflicting contracts—one mandating arbitration and a later one sending disputes to court—a judge, rather than an arbitrator, must decide which agreement governs. This decision clarifies that courts retain the authority to resolve conflicts between superseding contracts regarding the forum for dispute resolution.

Question presented

When parties enter into an arbitration agreement with a delegation clause, does an arbitrator or a court decide whether that arbitration agreement is narrowed by a later contract that is silent as to arbitration and delegation?

Case path

United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit / Decision released May 23, 2024

Area

Business and Regulation