California Supreme Court Watch

#26-48 Barbosa v. Sierra Pacific Orthopaedic Center Medical Group, Inc., S294710. (F088971; nonpublished opinion; Fresno County Superior Court; 23CECG04847.) Petition for review after the Court of Appeal affirmed an order denying a motion to compel arbitration in a civil action. This case presents the following issue: If an arbitration agreement provides that disputes will be resolved under the Federal Arbitration Act (9 U.S.C. § 1 et seq.; the FAA), do the FAA’s substantive provisions apply and preempt inconsistent state laws regardless of whether interstate commerce is involved?

Petition for review granted: 3/25/2026

See the Court of Appeal Opinion.