This volume of the ASA Special Series contains the written version of the presentations given at the ASA 2009 Annual Conference on "The Search for "Truth" in Arbitration: Is finding the Truth what Dispute Resolution is about?" This volume explores the role and the relevance of "truth" in dispute resolution and specifically in commercial arbitration; the different notions of truth in different legal cultures; the users' view in that respect; and the consequences of these different perspectives and approaches for the practice of international arbitration. Part one provides the "philosophical" background to the subsequent discussions of some practical issues from the perspective of the users of arbitration services as well as of the providers of these services, arbitrators and counsel. Next, two practical issues that have for a long time been a hot topic in commercial arbitration practice, cross-examination and document production, are expolored from different perspectives. Finally formalism in arbitral proceedings is discussed – is formalism good or evil? It has been concluded that formal requirements should never be handled in a way that would hinder a tribunal or a court from accomplishing the main task with which it was entrusted either by the parties or by the State: applying the substantive law to the issues before them and finding a just and fair solution to the parties' dispute. The presentations published in this volume of the ASA Special Series will contribute to the discussion of the ever intriguing question "Is Finding the "Truth" what Dispute Resolution is about?"
Volume 19 of the Congress Series contains the proceedings of ICCA's 2016 Mauritius Congress, the first ICCA Congress held in Africa. In this volume, renowned practitioners, scholars and jurists from the region and around the world explore the contribution of arbitration to the rule of law and economic development; the conformity of arbitration with international standards of due process and the rule of law; and the benefits and challenges of arbitration in Africa. Topical issues of interest for practitioners, academics and students of arbitration - in the region and internationally - include: • Due process issues in constituting the arbitral tribunal and challenging its members • Interim measures issued by arbitral tribunals and domestic courts • Burden, standard and types of proof in the corruption defence • What to do (and what to avoid doing) to prepare a persuasive case • Do post-award remedies ensure conformity of the arbitral process with the rule of law? • Do rules and guidelines properly regulate the conduct of arbitration? • The interface between domestic courts and arbitral tribunals • What are appropriate remedies for findings of illegality in investment arbitration? • The effect of foreign national court judgments relating to the arbitral award • What does the future hold for investment arbitration in Africa and beyond?
International arbitration has enjoyed remarkable success. However, in recent years repeated concerns relating to the efficiency of the proceedings have emerged. These concerns have led to the introduction of provisions for expedited arbitral procedures. Through analysing various arbitration rules, this book will examine the require-ments under which expedited procedures are admissible, what the central char-acteristics of such procedures are, and how such procedures can be classified and described in comparison to a conventional arbitral procedure. A significant part will examine the tension between procedural efficiency on the one hand and on quality of the procedure and award on the other. In an excursus, early determination procedures will be examined to complete the tool box to increase procedural efficiency.
Arbitration is facing revolutionary changes due to new technologies’ irruption into the entire arbitration proceeding. Wide-ranging technical-legal concepts such as e-discovery, e-hearing, cyber-security protocol, e-deliberations, algorithmic decision-making and digital signing have become part of life. Technology’s impact on arbitration is unlikely to decrease after the COVID crisis; on the contrary, how the arbitration community positions itself vis-à-vis technology will be a key factor in determining arbitration’s future. Faced with this challenging scenario, the book discusses a novel legal topic: arbitrators’ relationship with this increasingly ubiquitous, rapidly-changing technology. This innovative book applies journalism’s “5 W questions” to the underexplored issue of arbitrators’ digital competence. It reaches a workable definition of what digital competence in the current arbitration context is, also providing answers to the essential question of why arbitrators’ digital competence is relevant from legal and financial points of view. Attention then shifts to who, with reflections on arbitrators working in a highly technological context and clarification of their relationship with other legal and non-legal actors. The book equally offers an in-depth comparative study of the question of where arbitrators’ technological competence is regulated, with critical analysis of soft and hard law provisions that may impose a digital competence duty. Finally, the book specifies when arbitrators need to be digitally competent and develops legal proposals regarding key procedural stages (initial conference, hearings) and legal topics (cybersecurity, data protection). The first study to scrutinise the rapidly changing relationship between arbitrators and technology, the book aims to spark a crucial debate among practitioners and scholars. Academically rigorous and using the latest legal material, it emphasises arbitrators’ needs, rights and duties in our technological age, presenting them alongside carefully selected practical topics. The unprecedented and well-grounded proposals for arbitrators’ digital competence are intended to be a call to action for its broad target audience.
Because document production can discover written evidence that would otherwise not be available, it is often the key to winning a case. However, document production proceedings can be a costly and time-consuming exercise, and arbitral awards in particular are often challenged on grounds that relate to document production orders. The task of balancing the conflicting interests of the parties in this context is a major responsibility of arbitral tribunals. This book's analysis focuses on whether there exist legal principles on which arbitrators should establish rules of document production in both civil law and common law countries, and shows how international arbitration is affected. The author examines the relevant discretion of arbitral tribunals under US, English, Swiss, German, and Austrian law, and under nine of the most important sets of institutional rules, including the ICC Rules, the LCIA Rules, and the Swiss Rules. The presentation mines case law and legal literature for concepts based on the common expectations of the parties, the legitimate expectations of a party, the duty to balance different procedural expectations of the parties, the presumed intent of the parties, the underlying hypothetical bargain, implied terms, and the arbitrators' discretion. Among the topics and issues investigated are the following: - procedural rules on document production versus procedural flexibility; - how arbitral tribunals can modify the IBA Rules on a case-by-case basis; - discretion granted by legislation in each country covered; - electronic document production; - how to deal with privilege and confidentiality objections; - how to formulate or answer document production requests; - effective sanctions in case of non-compliance with procedural orders of the arbitral tribunal; - what grounds for annulment and non-enforcement a losing party can raise in what countries. Perhaps the greatest benefit of the book is the inclusion of model clauses, commensurate with both civil law and common law expectations. The author explicates the advantages and inconveniences of each model clause, and clarifies the influence of each clause on the efficiency of the proceedings and the enforcement risk. For practitioners, the book not only gives counsel a thorough overview of possible arguments for and against document production, but also assists arbitrators find a way through the jungle of opinions on the interpretation of the IBA Rules. Legal academics will appreciate the author's deeply informed analysis and commentary and the book's contribution to increasing the predictability of arbitral decisions on document production and showing how issues in dispute can be narrowed by tailor-made rules, thus helping to raise the efficiency and reduce the costs of arbitral proceedings.
International Arbitration Law Library, Volume 65 International commercial arbitration is by no means free from bribery and corruption. Although a plethora of legal scholarship clearly affirms this contention, a thorough study on the particularly important question of the authority and duty of international commercial arbitrators to investigate a suspicion or indication of bribery or corruption sua sponte ¬– that is, on their own initiative – has been surprisingly lacking. This important book fills this gap, inter alia, by locating sua sponte authority in the position of arbitral tribunals in establishing the facts of a case and ascertaining and applying the applicable normative standards. In addition to providing a comprehensive examination of how the issue of bribery and corruption is dealt with in contemporary international commercial arbitration, the book also highlights the role of arbitrators in global efforts to combat transnational commercial bribery and corruption. Among others, the following critical issues are thoroughly investigated: arbitrability of issues of public interests; intermediary contracts; role of arbitrators in the fact-finding process; party autonomy versus overriding mandatory rules; iura novit curia in international commercial arbitration in the context of bribery and corruption; notion of transnational (or ‘truly international’) public policy; arbitrators’ duty to act as guardians of international commerce; investigative tools available to arbitrators; dealing with manifestly recalcitrant parties; possible consequences of violating the obligation to sua sponte investigate; and the view from developing countries. The analysis leans primarily on Swiss law, as Switzerland is one of the most important jurisdictions in international commercial arbitration; Switzerland has also been involved in some of the most famous and controversial arbitration cases wherein bribery and corruption became an issue. However, the study also includes a comparative analysis of the relevant laws, jurisprudence, and doctrine of other major arbitration venues, particularly England, France, and Germany. Not only in the light it sheds on how and whether international commercial arbitrators have hitherto justified the trust States have placed in them regarding the protection of the public interests but also in the practical solutions it offers arbitrators faced with issues of bribery and corruption, this deeply researched book equips arbitration practitioners and arbitration institutions with a hitherto lacking in-depth analysis on the question of sua sponte investigation. It also provides invaluable insights on how this issue might affect the future, legitimacy and expansion of this dispute settlement mechanism. Outside the field of arbitration, the book also provides jurists, legal scholars, in-house counsel for companies doing transnational business and public officials with highly enlightening perspectives on the interaction between international commercial arbitration and public interests.
In arbitration, evidence provides the basis for almost every decision, be it procedural, jurisdictional, or substantive. However, users from different legal traditions may not share the same understanding as to how an arbitral tribunal ought to proceed in this regard. Therefore, it is important for lawyers to know how to collect, develop, and present evidence in arbitration proceedings, not only from a legal perspective but also from a cultural point of view. It is against this backdrop that the editors have invited a diverse group of distinguished arbitration practitioners and academics to contribute to this matchless Handbook of Evidence in International Commercial Arbitration. Key concepts and issues related to evidence in arbitration covered include the following: the normative framework on evidence in arbitration proceedings; the burden and standard of proof; means of evidence, including documents, experts, and witnesses; questions of admissibility, including issues of privilege and confidentiality; the assessment of evidence and its probative value; court assistance and sanctions. With its systematic analysis of the key concepts of evidence, holistic discussion of the applicable normative framework, cross-cultural perspectives on the taking of evidence in arbitration, and reference to case law from major arbitration hubs, this book will become an undisputed point of reference for academics and practitioners alike. Critical acclaim: “This handbook elegantly captures the range of issues that arises regarding evidence in international arbitration. Bringing together the foremost experts in the field, each contribution offers a thoughtful analysis on these issues and the compilation deserves a prominent spot in every practitioner’s arbitral library.” Chiann Bao, Independent Arbitrator (Arbitration Chambers) and Vice President of the ICC Court of Arbitration “This publication well deserves recognition as a landmark handbook on evidence in international commercial arbitration. It comprehensively discusses the whole evidentiary process from its foundations taking a comparative and harmonizing perspective as well as the burden and standards of proof to the various evidentiary means up to the assessment of evidence. Written by leading academics and practitioners from all over the world, it will be a safe haven for anyone facing discrete evidentiary issues and looking for answers to fundamental or actual questions including as to privileges, confidentiality, virtual hearings or data protection.” Professor Filip De Ly, Chair of the ILA International Commercial Arbitration Committee
As Asia, China, in particular, gains economic momentum and increasingly attracts global attention, disputes between Asian and Western parties will inevitably increase. This book, the first to address issues arising from these types of disputes in depth, collects incisive articles by both well-known Asian arbitrators and non-Asian practitioners with extensive experience dealing with arbitrations involving Asian parties, all under the aegis of Michael Moser, a Western-trained lawyer who had the foresight to build a China-focused dispute resolution practice at a time when it was not fashionable to do so. The articles reflect Moser’s exemplary career as an independent arbitrator who has navigated between Asian and Western legal cultures seamlessly for decades. The upshot is an authoritative investigation of the differences and similarities of international arbitration between two contrasting cultures–both from a legal and social perspective– as well as a consideration of how each culture has influenced international arbitration practice overall. Issues covered include the following: interim measures in support of arbitration; the hybrid arbitration-mediation mode of dispute resolution; what China’s investment treaties have to offer; Moser’s ‘Triple A’ approach to mediation; witness conferencing; influence of of rang (¿), or exercise of altruism; Chinese courts’ approach to international arbitration; evolution of investment protection between China and Europe; disclosure versus state secrecy laws in China; and the standard for disclosure in rules of evidence. Given the increasing prevalence of arbitrations seated in Asia and the number of new players engaged in arbitration in Asia, this book is certain to attract a wide range of arbitration practitioners, especially those engaged in arbitrations involving Asian parties. As a comparative study of Asian and Western arbitration theory and practice, it is peerless. Scholars of arbitration worldwide are sure to learn from the insights detailed here of practitioners with consummate experience in arbitrations involving cross-cultural parties. “This is an excellent and wide ranging publication that rightly pays tribute to Michael’s career as a multi-faceted doyen of international arbitration; he has had his base in Asia but at all times he has held a global and even minded view. Many of us – and the overall institution of international arbitration - owe so very much to him.” Matthew Gearing, QC, former Chair of HKIAC “This wide-ranging and insightful volume pays tribute to the distinguished career of Michael Moser, a true Renaissance figure who has traversed both East and West and helped so many others bridge the two.” Gary Born, WilmerHale
Handbook of ICC Arbitration provides expert analysis of the whole process of using and adhering to the ICC Arbitration Rules. It examines close up the diverse issues that can occur during an arbitration and hosts essential information related to arbitration on an international level with reference to published and unpublished awards and procedural orders, as well as to many decisions of national courts.
The book explores the definition and nature of guerrilla tactics in international commercial arbitration. It analyses various such tactics deployed (pre-Covid and during Covid times) and portrays them in a way that enables one to visualise how, and possibly why, they might be deployed. Attempts to codify ethical standards and rules regulating the behaviour of legal representatives in international arbitration are examined. The book covers a range of culture clashes, addresses several elephants in the room, and looks at factors inherent in the arbitral process that create opportunities and increase temptations to misbehave. It considers the remedies and sanctions available in international arbitration and compares them to those available to the courts in civil litigation. In addition to recommendations for future research, the book offers solutions to curb the problem in line with party autonomy and with a critical analysis. “This manuscript is an essential solutions-based text that not only addresses a comprehensive range of modern-day guerrilla tactics in international commercial arbitration but also offers thoughtful methods to deal with the shenanigans that parties may bring to the arbitral process.” - Chiann Bao, Independent Arbitrator, Arbitration Chambers and Vice President of the International Chamber of Commerce, Court of Arbitration “Dr. Ahuja’s book is a thoughtful and highly practical contribution to the study of procedures in international commercial arbitration. It is replete with scholarly analysis, careful treatment of authority, pragmatic insights and policy discussions. Any practitioner or student of international arbitration would benefit from this volume.” - Gary Born, Author, International Commercial Arbitration (3d ed. 2021) “A highly readable and informative book which identifies and analyses the numerous guerrilla tactics parties may attempt to deploy in international commercial arbitration, the factors which may encourage such behaviour, and practical mechanisms to keep the proceedings on track. Both erudite and practical, this book is a must-read for parties, counsel and arbitrators alike.” - Prof. Benjamin Hughes, Independent Arbitrator, The Arbitration Chambers “Guerrilla tactics are a pertinent problem in arbitration. Dr. Ahuja’s well written book not only describes the various tactics in a succinct way but provides extremely useful guidance on how to tackle them. It will be a primary source of reference for every practitioner faced with such tactics.” - Prof. Dr. Stefan Kröll, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the German Arbitration Institute (DIS) “Taming the Guerrilla in International Commercial Arbitration offers a refreshingly candid and balanced discussion of ‘sharp practices’ in international arbitration. The book collects a wealth of information on guerrilla tactics previously only available in separate survey reports, articles, and guidelines on the topic. It additionally includes a chapter addressing tactics deployed in virtual or remote arbitrations due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The comprehensive research and analysis presented in this book make it a valuable resource to counsel, parties, arbitrators, academics, and those who deliver practical arbitration training. A must-read for those who want to better understand the practices that may lead some to disfavor arbitration and ways the arbitration community can respond to guerrilla tactics to improve the arbitration process for all participants.” - Dana MacGrath, Independent Arbitrator, MacGrath Arbitration “From an unreasoned fiat of a wise man who left both sides equally unhappy but resolved the disputes effectively, arbitration has evolved into a full-scale trial before a party chosen tribunal. Its informality and expedition puts in peril the fundamental right of the recalcitrant to delay proceedings. Dr. Ahuja has assiduously articulated the measures, aptly christened Guerrilla Tactics, used to disrupt and derail arbitrations. An indispensable read for the practitioner and an insightful treatise for the policy maker.” - Harish Salve SA QC, Blackstone Chambers “This book shines a spotlight on arbitration’s dark arts - guerrilla tactics. Dr Ahuja illuminates this shadowy world with excellent (and much needed) scholarship that is practice-based and useful for all stakeholders in arbitration. His examination of the root causes of this problem, recommendations on how to control it, comparisons with litigation practice and suggestions for future research marvellously combine to make this a work that is required to be consulted by all serious counsel, arbitrators, institutions and academics in the field of arbitration.” - Romesh Weeramantry, Head, International Dispute Resolution, Centre for International Law, National University of Singapore
