§ 1141.25.Reference to Arbitration Proceedings and Award In Subsequent Trial Constitutes Irregularity

A trial de novo is supposed to be a fresh look at the case, untainted by what an arbitrator decided. Section 1141.25 protects that by making any reference to the arbitration proceedings or the arbitration award, once the case reaches a subsequent trial, an irregularity in the proceedings of the trial.

That label matters because § 657 lists an irregularity in the proceedings as one of the grounds for a new trial. A party who improperly introduces the arbitrator's award, or otherwise tells the jury an arbitrator already ruled on the case, exposes the resulting verdict to being set aside on exactly that ground.