====== Arbitration (ArbCom) ======

//Part of [[wikipedia_dispute_resolution|Wikipedia Dispute Resolution]]//

===== Overview =====

The Arbitration Committee (ArbCom) is the highest dispute resolution body on English Wikipedia. It handles the most serious and intractable disputes, particularly those involving editor conduct. ArbCom decisions are binding and can include sanctions such as topic bans, editing restrictions, or site bans. ArbCom is the court of last resort in Wikipedia's dispute resolution system.

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===== ArbCom Structure =====

The Arbitration Committee consists of elected members who serve fixed terms. The committee operates through consensus among its members and follows established procedures for case handling.

===== Case Phases =====

  * **Filing**: The requesting party submits a case with evidence that prior dispute resolution was attempted
  * **Acceptance**: ArbCom votes on whether to take the case
  * **Evidence**: All parties and community members submit evidence (diffs, policy references)
  * **Workshop**: Parties propose principles, findings of fact, and remedies
  * **Proposed Decision**: Arbitrators draft their proposed decision for comment
  * **Final Decision**: Arbitrators vote on binding principles, findings, and remedies
  * **Enforcement**: Administrators implement the remedies

===== Possible Remedies =====

  * Topic bans (editor barred from editing certain topic areas)
  * Interaction bans (editors barred from interacting with each other)
  * Editing restrictions (e.g., 1RR, BRD requirements)
  * Desysoping (removal of administrator tools)
  * Site bans (complete ban from editing Wikipedia)
  * Probation (topic area placed under special restrictions)

===== Related =====

  * [[wikipedia_dr_mediation|Mediation]] - Previous step
  * [[wikipedia_dr_admin_intervention|Administrator Intervention]] - Parallel process for conduct issues
  * [[wikipedia_dispute_resolution|Wikipedia Dispute Resolution Overview]]