Turner v. Nicholson Properties, Inc.

WHICHARD, Judge.

Respondent contends the court erred in denying its motion for an order permitting it to depose the arbitrator. A party to an arbitration may depose the arbitrator relative to alleged misconduct only when “an objective basis exists for a reasonable belief that misconduct has occurred . . . .” Fashion Exhibitors v. Gunter, 291 N.C. 208, 219, 230 S.E. 2d 380, 388 (1976). Respondent maintains that the arbitrator’s prior association with claimant’s counsel, together with what it contends is an award in “flagrant disregard for the law,” establishes an objective basis for believing…