Mediation and ADR
Award
The decision an arbitrator or arbitration panel issues after hearing both sides. Depending on the process and the parties' agreement, it may be binding or nonbinding.[1][3]
In more detail
In the Northern District of California's court arbitration program, the award is non-binding and either party may reject it and ask for a trial de novo.[1] In Florida's court-ordered nonbinding arbitration, the decision becomes final if nobody requests a trial de novo in time.[2] In Texas court-referred arbitration, the award binds the parties only if they agreed in advance that it would.[3]
Varies by state
Whether an award binds, and how it can be challenged or enforced, depends on the state, the program and the parties' agreement. Find your state’s rules.
Related terms
- ArbitrationA process in which a neutral person or panel, the arbitrator, hears each side's facts and arguments and then decides the dispute.
- Binding arbitrationArbitration in which the parties agree in advance to be bound by the arbitrator's decision.
- Nonbinding arbitrationArbitration in which the arbitrator's decision doesn't bind the parties unless they agreed in advance that it would; it serves as a basis for further settlement talks or becomes final if no one rejects it in time.
- Trial de novoA new trial of a case from the beginning, as if an earlier decision, such as a nonbinding arbitration award, had not been made.
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Sources
The official documents this definition is based on, with the date we last read each one. Definitions are in our own words.
General information, not legal advice. MediationList is not a law firm. Spotted an error? Tell us.
Cite this page
MediationList. (2026, October 28). Award: Definition. https://mediationlist.com/glossary/award/
APA 7th ed. A retrieval date is included only for pages whose content changes, such as maps, data and tools.