Evident Partiality and the Judicial Review of Investor-State Dispute Settlement Awards PDF Download

Author: Antonia Eliason
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 44

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Book Description
International investment law, and particularly investor state dispute settlement (ISDS) is currently the subject of many heated debates, from the fairness of bilateral investment treaties, to the lack of precedent in ISDS, to the impartiality of arbitrators. This article examines national judicial review of international investment arbitral awards in the context of U.S. domestic law, focusing on evident partiality and the appropriate standard of deference to be applied to such awards, particularly in the case where challenges to arbitrator integrity were denied at the arbitration stage. National courts are not the ideal fora for adjudicating challenges to ISDS awards, as evidenced by differing standards of deference across jurisdictions and the lack of familiarity with international treaties and international rules of arbitration. Addressing the problem at its root, namely through amending international rules of arbitration or by creating additional levels of international review would be more effective. The problem of arbitrator partiality in ISDS is reflective of systemic problems. This article argues that the issues of interpretation arising in reviewing ISDS awards before domestic courts suggest that reform of the ISDS system would be a more effective means of safeguarding party interests from arbitrator conflict of interest or corruption. This article builds on the standard of deference established by the Supreme Court in BG Group, focusing on the Argentina v. AWG Group case that was decided by the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals in July 2018. In reviewing the Argentina v. AWG Group case, the article highlights some of the challenges in having domestic courts review ISDS awards. At the same time, the article argues that while a high level of deference to international arbitration awards is usually desirable, the standard of review with respect to ISDS claims should be clarified by U.S. courts as deference is not always the correct standard. Where the integrity of the arbitral tribunal itself is in question, that deference should be set aside in favor of closer review. Conflicts of interest that might elsewhere be viewed as significant enough to disqualify arbitrators from participating in arbitrations are viewed as commonplace in international investment arbitration and considered an inherent part of the system. This should not be the case.

Author: Daniel Behn
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
ISBN: 1108943756
Category : Law
Languages : en
Pages : 581

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Book Description
International investment arbitration remains one of the most controversial areas of globalisation and international law. This book provides a fresh contribution to the debate by adopting a thoroughly empirical approach. Based on new datasets and a range of quantitative, qualitative and computational methods, the contributors interrogate claims and counter-claims about the regime's legitimacy. The result is a nuanced picture about many of the critiques lodged against the regime, whether they be bias in arbitral decision-making, close relationships between law firms and arbitrators, absence of arbitral diversity, and excessive compensation. The book comes at a time when several national and international initiatives are under way to reform international investment arbitration. The authors discuss and analyse how the regime can be reformed and ow a process of legitimation might occur.

Author: Alan M. Anderson
Publisher: Kluwer Law International B.V.
ISBN: 9403518103
Category : Law
Languages : en
Pages : 441

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Book Description
Investor-State disputes are increasing and damage awards are often significant. It is thus no surprise that the investor-State dispute settlement (ISDS) system has come under scrutiny. Perceptions have arisen that ISDS is inconsistent, lacks transparency, and is simply unfair. This book delves into the ongoing worldwide debate and discussions regarding the ISDS system. Drawing contributors from around the world, the authors provide insights on critical topics and address the key question facing the ISDS system and the international community it serves: Should the present ISDS system be reformed, replaced, or simply remain as is? The contributors represent points of view ranging from academia to practice to governmental entities, addressing such topics as: the possible consequences of wholesale replacement or elimination of the current ISDS system; mediation as an alternative to resolve ISDS disputes; the creation of a multinational investment court or appellate review mechanism; lack of an early dismissal mechanism to eliminate meritless claims; issues regarding arbitrators, including their appointment and ethical obligations; how investors may retain their right to pursue claims for violations of investment protection following termination of an agreement; a State’s right to assert a counterclaim against an investor-claimant; the role of ISDS in promoting and protecting renewable energy production; the liability of State-controlled entities; the effects and implications of third-party funding; the duty to mitigate damages in the light of excessive damages awards; and improvements and issues relating to post-award enforcement, duration, and cost of ISDS. This book considers the ongoing deliberations and reform measures proposed by UNCITRAL’s Working Group III and provides insights into how several geographic regions and economic cooperation areas have sought to address the question of reform of the ISDS system, including the European Union, the Middle East, and the new United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. With its much-needed and deeply informed balancing of investor and State rights and duties, this book will be welcomed by all who practise in the ISDS field, including arbitrators, State governments and non-governmental organizations, regional economic organizations, and international investors.

Author: Kenneth Robert Davis
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
For over fifty years, the Supreme Court has declined to establish a standard of review for errors of law in arbitration awards. Decided in 1953, Wilko v. Swan confused the courts with a cryptic statement suggesting that a court could not vacate an award for errors “in the interpretations of the law by arbitrators” unless the arbitrator manifestly disregarded the law. Despite this statement's ambiguity, the federal courts recognized the “manifest disregard” standard, which the courts interpreted to permit vacatur when the arbitrator knew the law and deliberately flouted it. Thirty-four years after Wilko, the Supreme Court in McMahon v. Shearson/Lehman suggested a broader scope of review to ensure that the requirements of federal statutory law were enforced. Nevertheless, the federal judiciary continued to apply the manifest disregard standard as if the high Court had never decided McMahon. In 2008, the Hall Street Associates v. Mattel decision heightened the confusion by offering several alternative interpretations of the dicta in Wilko, scrambling words like eggs in a skillet. The confusion intensified in 2010, when the Supreme Court in Stolt-Nielsen v. AnimalFeeds International seemed to apply de novo review to an arbitration award. Then, inexplicably, only one year later, the high Court, in AT&T Mobility v. Concepcion, suggested that it viewed the manifest disregard standard with disfavor. This melee of contradictory decisions creates the need and opportunity to reconsider what the scope of judicial review of arbitral awards should be. That discussion should take into account the purposes of the FAA, its legislative history, and the current role of arbitration as a popular method of dispute resolution. Based on these considerations, this article proposes a new framework for the judicial review of arbitration awards. Awards deciding federal statutory rights such as rights prescribed in civil rights law and securities law should be reviewed for any errors of law. As Wilko and McMahon recognize, federal statutory rights require protection, even in arbitration. Similarly, courts should correct awards that violate well-defined federal public policy, particularly those that endanger public health, safety or welfare, or condone unlawful acts. Awards that do not implicate important federal policy may be subject to review by the state courts, but they should not be reviewed for errors of law or even manifest disregard of the law by the federal courts.

Author: James H Carter
Publisher: Law Business Research Ltd.
ISBN: 1912377713
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 926

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Book Description
The International Arbitration Review, edited by James H Carter of Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr, provides an analytical review of what has occurred in each of the important arbitration jurisdictions during the past year, capturing recent developments and putting them in the context of the jurisdiction's legal arbitration structure and selecting the most important matters for comment. In this book, leading practitioners seek to provide current information on both general international commercial arbitration and international investment arbitration, treating important investor-state dispute developments in each jurisdiction as a separate but closely related topic. There are in-depth examinations of arbitration in 41 jurisdictions as well as editorial chapters on The Impact of Corporate Taxation on Economic Losses, and overviews on ASEAN and Africa. Contributors include: Bart Legum, Michelle Bradfield and Jean-Christophe Honlet, Dentons; James Nicholson, FTI Consulting."e;This new and timely publication promises to tackle pressing and present day global concerns and to make valuable contributions to the ongoing dialogue on international arbitration"e; - Peter Tomka, President, International Court of Justice, The Hague"e;Comprehensive and topical, an excellent reference."e; - Professor Christine Mallin, University of Birmingham Business School"e;The most discursive and engaging survey of the world of arbitration today."e; - Jamie Maples, Weil Gotshal & Manges LLP

Author: Stephan W. Schill
Publisher: Kluwer Law International B.V.
ISBN: 9403522615
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 589

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Book Description
The Yearbook Commercial Arbitration continues its longstanding commitment to serving as a primary resource for the international arbitration community, with reports on arbitral awards and court decisions applying the leading arbitration conventions and decisions of general interest to the practice of international arbitration as well as announcements of arbitration legislation and rules. Volume XLV (2020) includes: excerpts of arbitral awards made under the auspices of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and the Milan Chamber of Arbitration (CAM), as well as twelve awards reflecting the practice of tribunals constituted under the auspices of the Arbitration Institute of the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce (SCC); notes on new and amended arbitration rules, including references to their online publication; notes on recent developments in arbitration law and practice in Ethiopia, Lithuania, Macao SAR, Palau, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Russian Federation, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Switzerland, Tanzania, Thailand, and Tonga; excerpts of 87 court decisions applying the 1958 New York Convention from 27 countries – including, for the first time, a selection of seven cases from Egypt, and cases from Tanzania and Uzbekistan – all indexed by subject matter and linked to the commentaries on the New York Convention published in the Yearbook, authored by former General Editor and leading expert Prof. Dr. Albert Jan van den Berg; excerpts from two decision applying the 1965 Washington (ICSID) Convention and seven decisions applying the 1975 Panama (Inter-American) Convention, as well as a selection of four court decisions of general interest; an extensive Bibliography of recent books and journals on arbitration. The Yearbook is edited by the International Council for Commercial Arbitration (ICCA), the world’s leading organization representing practitioners and academics in the field, under the general editorship of Prof. Dr. Stephan W. Schill and with the assistance of the Permanent Court of Arbitration, The Hague. It is an essential tool for lawyers, business people and scholars involved in the practice and study of international arbitration.

Author: Christoph Schreuer (juriste)
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
ISBN: 0521885590
Category : Arbitration and award
Languages : en
Pages : 1599

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Book Description
This is a practice-oriented guide, including text, commentary, tables and index, for anyone dealing with the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID).

Author: Filippo Fontanelli
Publisher: BRILL
ISBN: 9004366490
Category : Law
Languages : en
Pages : 199

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Book Description
In Jurisdiction and Admissibility in Investment Arbitration, Filippo Fontanelli offers an analysis of the subject for practitioners and scholars. The author undertakes two converging studies: first, the practice of investment tribunals is surveyed to provide a representative overview of how jurisdiction and admissibility operate in arbitration proceedings. Second, these concepts are studied in the wider framework of public international law litigation, in the attempt to solve the definitional issues, or at least trace them back to their theoretical background. The analysis shows that the confusion prevailing in investment arbitration is largely a legacy of the comparable confusion that affects the notions of jurisdiction and admissibility in all kinds of dispute settlement under international law. Whilst the confusion is often irrelevant in the practice, some instances arise where it affects the outcome of the proceedings. The essay discusses some of these instances and recommends adopting a novel approach, which hinges on judicial discretion as the critical element of admissibility.

Author: Ibrahim Shehata
Publisher: Kluwer Law International B.V.
ISBN: 9403512644
Category : Law
Languages : en
Pages : 481

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Book Description
Egypt, and in particular the Cairo Regional Centre for International Commercial Arbitration (CRCICA), has clearly cemented its status as a preferred seat for arbitration cases in both the Middle East–North Africa (MENA) region and the African continent. To assist parties with a need or desire to arbitrate disputes arising in these regions – whether commercial or investment – this incomparable book, the first in-depth treatment in any language of arbitration practice under Egyptian law, provides a comprehensive overview of the arbitration process and all matters pertaining to it in Egypt, starting with the arbitration agreement and ending with the recognition and enforcement of the arbitral award. Citing more than 2,500 cases – both awards and arbitral-related court judgments – the book’s various chapters examine in detail how Egypt’s arbitration law, based on the UNCITRAL model law, encompasses such internationally accepted arbitral provisions and aspects as the following: application of the New York Convention; concept of arbitrability; choice of applicable law; formation of the arbitral tribunal; selection, rights, duties, liability, and challenge of arbitrators; arbitral procedures; evidence and experts and burden of proof; form and content of arbitral awards; annulment and enforcement procedures; interaction between Sharia law and arbitration; role of Egypt’s Technical Office for Arbitration (TOA); and judicial fees. Special issues such as third-party funding and public policy as well as particular areas of dispute such as construction, sports, real estate, labor and employment, tax, competition, intellectual property, and technology transfer are all covered. The author offers practical guidelines tailored to arbitration in these specific areas of law. An added feature is the many figures and other visuals that accompany the text. For whoever is planning to or is currently practicing arbitration in the Middle East, this matchless book gives arbitrators, in-house counsel and arbitration practitioners everything that is needed to answer any question likely to arise. This book should be on the shelf of every practitioner and academic wishing to comprehend arbitration in Egypt as construed by the Egyptian Courts. Review/Testimonial: “The book is an excellent contribution to understand and assess Egyptian international arbitration law and practice and invaluable guide for lawyers, arbitrators and academics working on arbitration cases connected to Egypt for three main reasons: First, a case law perspective that adds considerable value to the book. The author examines not only the text of laws but also the case law. On every issue, Mr Shehata quotes the positions of Egyptian courts, especially those of the Egyptian Cassation Court. With more than 2,500 cases cited, the book is a precious source to discover the Egyptian decisions originally only in Arabic. Through an analysis and commentary of a great number of decisions rendered by various levels of Egyptian courts, the book offers the most reliable source with regard to the interpretation and the application of the Law No. 27 of 1994 and the international conventions by Egyptian courts. Second, a complete and far-reaching analysis. The book covers all aspects of the arbitration process from the arbitration agreement to the enforcement of arbitral awards. It includes the specific arbitration sectors such as sport arbitration, construction arbitration and investment arbitration. This coverage makes the book one of the reference work on the whole regime of arbitration in Egypt. Third, an up-to-date study, which takes into account rule changes and up-to-date developments on new trends, such as third-party funding, optional clauses, virtual hearings, the use of tribunal secretaries and issues of ethics in arbitration.” Source / Reviewer: Professor Walid Ben Hamida, University of Paris-Saclay, France. ICC DISPUTE RESOLUTION BULLETIN 2021 | ISSUE 3 |

Author: Julien Chaisse
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 9789811336140
Category : Law
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
The Handbook of International Investment Law and Policy is a one-stop reference source. This Handbook covers the main conceptual questions in a logical, scholarly yet easy to comprehend manner. It is based on a truly global vision insisting particularly on Global South related issues and developments. In this respect, the Handbook of International Investment Law and Policy provides an excellent modern treatment of international investment law which is one of the fastest growing areas of international economic law. Professor Julien Chaisse, Professor Leïla Choukroune, and Professor Sufian Jusoh are the editors-in-chief of the Handbook of International Investment Law and Policy, a 1,500-page reference book, which is anticipated becoming one of the most influenced reference books in the international economic law areas. This Handbook is a highly comprehensive set of four volumes of original materials designed to cover all facets of international investment law and policy. The chapters, written by world-leading experts, explore key ideas and debates in relation to: international investment substantive law (Volume I), Investor-state dispute settlement (Volume II); interaction between international investment law and other fields of international law (Volume III); and, the new trends and challenges for international investment law (Volume IV). The Handbook will feature more than 80 contributions from leading experts (academics, lawyers, government officials), including Vivienne Bath, M. Sornarajah, Mélida Hodgson, Rahul Donde, Roberto Echandi, Andrew Mitchell, Ernst-Ulrich Petersmann, Christina L. Beharry, Krista Nadakavukaren Schefer, Leon Trakman, Prabhash Ranjan, Emmanuel Jacomy, Mariel Dimsey, Stavros Brekoulakis, Romesh Weeramantry, Nathalie Bernasconi-Osterwalder, David Collins, Damilola S. Olawuyi, Katia Fach Gomez, Jaemin Lee, Alejandro Carballo-Leyda, Patrick W. Pearsall, Mark Feldman, Surya Deva, Luke Nottage, Rafael Leal-Arcas, James Nedumpara, Rodrigo Polanco, etc. This Handbook will be an essential reference tool for students and scholars of international economic law. Policy makers and researchers alike will find the Handbook of International Investment Law and Policy useful for years to come.