The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled unanimously in a case dealing with contract clauses that determine in which courts a dispute may be heard. But attorneys who specialize in construction issues are divided about what the decision means for the industry.
In its opinion issued on Dec. 3 in the case, Atlantic Marine Construction Co. v. U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, the high court said such “forum-selection” clauses, which are common in construction contracts, generally should be the controlling factor in deciding where a firm may bring a lawsuit.