Riverdale Development Co. v. Ruffin Building Systems, Inc.

Tom Glaze, Justice.

This appeal requires us to determine the preclusive effect of an arbitration award with respect to one who was not a party to the arbitration. Because this is an issue of first impression in this state, our jurisdiction is proper under Ark. Sup. Ct. R. 1-2(b)(1). This is also a subsequent appeal following other appeals decided by this court. See May Constr. Co. v. Riverdale Develop. Co., 345 Ark. 239, 45 S.W.3d 815 (2001); May Constr. Co. v. Thompson, 341 Ark. 879, 20 S.W.3d 345 (2000).

On August 30, 1996, appellant Riverdale Development Company (“Riverdale”) entered into a…