Arbitration Flashcards
What is the main legislation in Scotland regarding arbitration?
The Arbitration (Scotland) Act 2010
What is purported to be the most popular Scottish case law in respect of arbitration and conflict of laws?
Hamlyn & Co vs Talisker Distillery
(1894, House of Lords)
What was the significance of the Hamlyn & Co vs Talisker Distillery ruling (1894)?
Conflict of laws/jurisdictions
In short, that the intention of the contract be honoured.
Specifically, the arbitration clause included was not valid under Scots law but perfectly valid under English law and therefore was upheld.
There is specifically a** validation principle** - see also Enka vs Chubb [2020]
What was the official ruling of Hamlyn & Co vs Talisker Distillery?
*Where a personal contract is entered into
between persons residing in different countries where different systems of law prevail,
the intention of the parties as expressed or implied in the contract
will determine the system by which the whole or any part of the contract
is to be interpreted and governed.*
What were the main objectives of the Arbitration (Scotland) Act 2010?
- Clarify, modernise and consolidate Scottish Arbitration law, filling in gaps.
- Provide a statutory framework for arbitrations which operate in the absence of an agreement to the contrary.
- To ensure fairness and impartiality
- Minimise expense and ensure efficiency
Why did Scotland get the Arbitration (Scotland) Act 2010?
Devolved minority government wanted to take up parliamentary time passing non-contentious legislation.
Scotland has some of the most up to date arbitration legislation in the world as a result.
A lucky accident!
When was the Arbitration (Scotland) Bill passed?
30 January 2009
Terminology - what is the name for the decision maker in Scottish arbitration, before and after the Arbitration (Scotland) Act 2010?
Arbitrator (in line with other jurisdictions)
Before the Act, Arbiter (Scottish hangover).
When did the Arbitration (Scotland) Act 2010 come into force?
5 Jan 2010 - for Section 2 definitions
7 Jun 2010 - the rest
BUT transition arrangement applied for agreements entered into before the Act came into force…
What are the three founding principles of the Arbitration (Scotland) Act 2010?
- FAIRNESS: The object is to resolve disputes fairly, impartially and without undue delay or expense.
- AUTONOMY: The parties should be free to agree how to resolve, subject to safeguards necessary for the public interest.
- NON-INTERVENTION: The court should not intervene in an arbitration except as provided in the Act.
On what three grounds can an arbitral award be challenged?
- Lack of jurisdiction
- Breach of natural justice on the part of the tribunal
- Appeal on errors of law (if relevant default rule applies)
What is the New York Convention?
An international treaty governing the recognition and enforcement of foreign arbitral awards.
What types of cases cannot be resolved by arbitration?
- Criminal cases
- Public interest
- Paternity
- Divorce
- Legitimacy of children
- Domicile status
Construction is fine :)
What characterises mandatory rules for arbitration in Scotland?
Just as it says on the tin - cannot contract out of the mandatory rules
What characterises default rules for arbitration in Scotland?
Rules which can be disapplied or modified.
Take care if modifying, in case of unintended consequences.
All default rules apply unless agreed otherwise during contract negotiations.
What is rule 40 of the Arbitration (Scotland) Act 2010 in relation to other arbitrations?
(lecturer says need to know)
(1) Parties may agree—
(a) to **consolidate** the arbitration with another arbitration, or (b) to hold **concurrent** hearings.
(2) But the tribunal may not order such consolidation, or the holding of concurrent hearings, on its own initiative.