Fifth Circuit: Vantage Deepwater Company, et al v. Petrobras Amer


Court appropriately deferred to arbitrators' decision, since public policy does not bar arbitration agreements resolving questions about contracts achieved through dubious means -- the question on the public policy exception is whether the ratification would create a danger to the public.

Court did not abuse its discretion in denying discovery during arbitration vacatur proceedings seeking testimony of arbitrator, since arbitration association rules prohibiting it are incorporated, and the arbitration record is equivocal.

No abuse of discretion in denying subpoena for arbitration association, given vague boundaries of immunity, and necessity to move things along.

As arbitration agreement discussed the equities of the parties in full, it was not sufficiently contrary to the agreement's choice of law and corporate form and surety provisions. 

Vantage Deepwater Company, et al v. Petrobras Amer