LAW5612 - International litigation and arbitration - 2017

This unit explores the main legal issues involved in the resolution of legal disputes between private (that is, non-state) parties in an international setting. In that respect, we will consider in detail the two major systems of dispute resolution: litigation before national courts and arbitration before private arbitral tribunals. We will analyse and compare the legal issues that may arise at the different stages of an international dispute in each of these systems and on that basis discuss the policy issues involved in each context and the considerations that will become relevant for parties when deciding which kind of dispute resolution system to choose.

On completion of this subject, students will be able to:

1. apply knowledge and understanding of the principles of international litigation and arbitration and the legal framework governing international litigation and arbitration and exercise analytic skill and professional judgment to generate appropriate responses to moderately complex problems, with creativity and initiative to new situations for further learning;
2. investigate, analyse and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts and theories in relation to concepts, theories and problems in international litigation and arbitration;
3. conduct research into the international litigation and arbitration, based on knowledge of appropriate research principles and methods; and
4. use cognitive, technical and creative skills to generate and evaluate ideas and arguments relating to international litigation and arbitration effectively and persuasively to specialist or non-specialist audiences and peers.

Class participation: 10%

One research assignment (4,500 words): 60%

Examination: 30%

Students will be required to attend 36 hours of seminars, and undertake approximately an additional 108 hours of private study, including reading, class preparation, assignment preparation and revision time over the duration of the course.