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11 Abb. Pr. 370

Jackson v. Merritt

New York Supreme Court

Decided April 15, 1860

New York Supreme Court · decided 1860-04-15

Motion to confirm an award. The parties in this case agreed to submit their matters in dispute to the arbitrament of two gentlemen, with authority “ to select a third party, not interested in the ice business, to decide any point of disagreement between them, whose decision shall he final.” The two arbitrators named in the submission afterwards executed an award, in which it is stated that they “ have, by the appointment of Mr. Geo.

Decided 1860-04-15

Leonard, J.

¶1It is quite evident, that the article of submission contemplates the final decision of a “ third party” only, in *371case the two named as arbitrators should disagree. If they disagree, it is the decision of the other man selected which is to finally control. The signatures of the other two arbitrators to the award are not of the least consequence, after a disagreement between them and the selection of a “ third party.” The execution of the award by them with the “ third party” would not vitiate it—it would be surplusage. But the signature of the third party is essential, and without it there is no award, within the terms of the submission.

¶2This view is supported by the case of The Mayor, &c., of New York a. Butler (1 Barb., 333).

¶3The award which is signed purports to be the report of a decision which has been made in the matter by a “third party,” who does not himself vouch for the decision.

¶4The award made is void. There is nothing to be confirmed, and nothing to vacate. There is no legal award.

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