FULL PRODUCT VERSION :
java version "1.7.0_02"
Java(TM) SE Runtime Environment (build 1.7.0_02-b13)
Java HotSpot(TM) Client VM (build 22.0-b10, mixed mode, sharing)

ADDITIONAL OS VERSION INFORMATION :
Microsoft Windows [Version 6.1.7601]

EXTRA RELEVANT SYSTEM CONFIGURATION :
part of jnlp-file:

<resources>
<property name="java.util.Arrays.useLegacyMergeSort" value="true"/>
</resources>

A DESCRIPTION OF THE PROBLEM :
try to switch to previous sort behavior for a web start application.

the property seems not to work with web start. System.getProperty("java.util.Arrays.useLegacyMergeSort") works, but exception "Comparison method violates its general contract" still appears.

command line call works, no exception: "javaws -J-Djava.util.Arrays.useLegacyMergeSort=true file.jnlp"

REGRESSION. Last worked in version 6u29

STEPS TO FOLLOW TO REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM :
start a web start application with a defect compareTo-method from browser. the exception should appear.

put system property in jnlp-file, set true for previous behavior

start web start application again.

EXPECTED VERSUS ACTUAL BEHAVIOR :
EXPECTED -
the exception should not appear, previous behavior used.
ACTUAL -
the exception still apperars

REPRODUCIBILITY :
This bug can be reproduced always.