Vandenberg v. Superior Court

Opinion

BAXTER, J.

This case presents two issues. First, we must consider when, if ever, a judicially confirmed award in an arbitration governed by California’s private arbitration law (Code Civ. Proc., § 1280 et seq.) is entitled to collateral estoppel, or “issue preclusion,” effect in favor of a nonparty to the arbitration.1 Second, we must determine whether a commercial general liability (CGL) insurance policy that provides coverage for sums the insured is “legally obligated to pay as damages” may cover losses arising from a breach of contract.

We reach the following conclusions: First, a…