Michael Snow wrote:
I think the idea of "pro tempore"
arbitrators for these rare cases is
adequate to handle the problem. Wikipedia is big enough that nobody can
get their oar in on every dispute, a principle that applies to the
arbitrators as well and means that almost certainly at least a couple
sitting arbitrators will not need to recuse themselves. Also, it
wouldn't be necessary to reconstitute a full committee of twelve; I'd be
satisfied if emergency appointments brought the number of arbitrators
hearing the case back up to seven or so.
So at most Jimbo would need to come up with four or five people who have
good sense at how to handle these things. I don't think this would be
terribly difficult for him. We have several experienced former
arbitrators whom I at least would happily trust to deal with a case in
an emergency. And I could name a number of other people who might be
qualified, depending on the particular case that presents itself. This
would also be a helpful way to get in some practical observation of
people who may be candidates for election to the Arbitration Committee
in the future.
Oooh, that's a good idea. I like that one.
- d.