Alliance for Justice Condemns Supreme Court Decision in AT&T Mobility v. Concepcion as Further Evidence of a Radical Pro-Corporate Agenda

Washington, D.C., April 27, 2011–Alliance for Justice President Nan Aron released the following statement on the 5-4 decision today by the U.S. Supreme Court in AT&T Mobility v. Concepcion: 

The Supreme Court’s decision today in AT&T Mobility v. Concepcion is a devastating and far-reaching betrayal of the most fundamental principles of American justice. Through this ruling, the Court’s ultra-conservative majority continues its relentless effort to shift power to corporate interests while hobbling the ability of everyday Americans to band together within the legal system to fight back against corporate misbehavior. 

After today’s ruling, corporations will now be able to decide on their own which civil rights and consumer protections they want to obey, knowing that there will be no effective means available to their victims to find redress. By including fine-print provisions in consumer and employment contracts that compel binding arbitration and restrict the ability to file class-actions, the Court has ensured that victims of consumer abuse or civil rights violations will always be at a disadvantage in the fight for justice. Even worse, not only has the radical conservative majority damaged the ability of consumers or employees to find justice, it has effectively removed any incentive for corporations to behave within the law in the first place.  

The Corporate Court, at the behest of big-business interests, has once again willfully undermined our most cherished and hard-fought rights and its misguided decision must not be allowed to stand. Congress should act swiftly to end forced arbitration in civil rights, consumer, and employment disputes and restore the ability and right of every citizen to use the courts to find justice.

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» An Alliance for Justice report summarizing the facts and issues of the case, “AT&T Mobility v. Concepcion: Will the Supreme Court Give AT&T a License to Steal?” can be downloaded here: http://www.afj.org/connect-with-the-issues/the-corporate-court/arbitration-report-final.pdf.

» More information about AFJ’s Corporate Court initiative is here: http://www.afj.org/connect-with-the-issues/the-corporate-court.

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Alliance for Justice is a national association of more than 100 organizations, representing a broad array of groups committed to progressive values and the creation of an equitable, just, and free society. AFJ works to ensure that the federal judiciary advances core constitutional values, preserves human rights and unfettered access to the courts, and adheres to the even-handed administration of justice for all Americans. It is the leading expert on the legal framework for nonprofit advocacy efforts, providing definitive information, resources, and technical assistance that encourages organizations and their funding partners to fully exercise their right to be active participants in the democratic process.