This educational guide is based on the linked primary sources. It is not a Court publication, is not affiliated with the Court, and is not legal advice.
In brief
Overview
According to Arthur Andersen LLP, the petitioners argue that non‑parties to an arbitration agreement who could enforce the agreement under State law should not be barred from seeking relief under §3 of the Federal Arbitration Act.
According to Wayne Carlisle et al., the respondents contend that §3 of the FAA does foreclose such relief for non‑parties, based on the text and structure of the statute.
Background and question before the Court
According to Arthur Andersen LLP, the central issue before the Court is whether non‑parties to an arbitration agreement, who are otherwise entitled to enforce that agreement under State law, are foreclosed by law from seeking a stay under §3 of the Federal Arbitration Act.
What each side argues
Petitioner Position
According to Arthur Andersen LLP, the petitioners argue that non‑parties to an arbitration agreement who could enforce the agreement under State law should not be barred from seeking relief under §3 of the Federal Arbitration Act.
According to Mr. Baker, petitioners assert that the mere request for relief under §3 and the denial of that request triggers appellate jurisdiction.
According to Mr. Baker, petitioners list possible bases for enforcement: assignment, successor in interest, assumption, and estoppel.
Respondent Position
According to Wayne Carlisle et al., respondents argue that §3 of the FAA forecloses relief for non‑parties, contrary to both the text of §3 and the structure of the FAA.
According to Mr. De Marco, respondents contend that estoppel applies when there is no contract to invoke, serving as the equitable basis for enforcement.
According to Mr. De Marco, respondents maintain that the right to enforce the agreement, including the right to procure a stay, flows from the original parties’ intention.
What happened at oral argument
What the Court decided
Why it matters
Terms to know
No glossary terms are available for this guide.
Primary sources
Read the source materials on the official site or open the immutable repository copy used for this guide.
- b3c586f7f676a68e7c7b-r1-bf6321e0a078bbd3.pdforal argument transcript
Guide generated September 23, 2026. Automated validation accepted this version.