Unit information: Transnational Arbitration in 2020/21

Unit name	Transnational Arbitration
Unit code	LAWD30128
Credit points	20
Level of study	H/6
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24)
Unit director	Dr. Mark Campbell
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	LAWD10008 Law of Contract and LAWD10011 Law of Tort.
Co-requisites	None
School/department	University of Bristol Law School
Faculty	Faculty of Social Sciences and Law

Description including Unit Aims

Arbitration has become the dispute resolution method of choice in international business transactions. Transnational contracts frequently include a clause referring any disputes which may arise between the parties to arbitration. This unit aims to explain how arbitration works as a method of dispute resolution and to explore the legal framework in which international commercial arbitration operates. That framework comprises four main components. First, the law governing the arbitration agreement (which determines the agreement's validity and scope). Second, the rules which govern procedural aspects of an arbitration (such as the constitution of the tribunal, the tribunal's powers and the powers that may be exercised by a national court in relation to an arbitration). Third, the law (or other considerations) by reference to which the tribunal determines the parties' dispute. Fourth, the law governing enforcement of an arbitral award through the courts (whether in the country of origin or in another country). In exploring that legal framework, the key topics for consideration during the unit will be as follows.

• Seat of arbitration
• Arbitration agreements
• Constitution of the tribunal and challenges to arbitrators
• Interim measures of protection
• The law governing the merits of a dispute referred to arbitration
• Setting aside of arbitral awards
• Cross-border enforcement of arbitral awards
• The key primary legal sources referred to during the unit will be the UNCITRAL Model Law on International Commercial Arbitration and the New York Convention 1958, along with associated case law.

Intended Learning Outcomes

By the end of this unit a successful student will be able to:

1. Explain the key concepts underpinning international commercial arbitration, how those concepts are recognised within national legal systems, and also the role played by arbitration in resolving commercial disputes.
2. Describe and analyse legal rules and principles governing international commercial arbitration, with a particular focus on the UNCITRAL Model Law.
3. Develop and defend an argument in relation to the interpretation and/or application of legal principles applicable to international commercial arbitration.
4. Apply legal rules and principles from relevant legal sources (e.g. New York Convention, UNCITRAL Model Law and case law) to complex problem scenarios.
5. Offer a critical appraisal of legal materials relevant to international commercial arbitration.

Teaching Information

Teaching will be delivered through a variety of asynchronous and synchronous activities

Assessment Information

1 x summative assessment: Timed Open Book Assessment with a specified word count (100%)

The assessment will assess all of the intended learning outcomes for this unit.

Reading and References

• UNCITRAL Model Law on International Commercial Arbitration (1985), with amendments as adopted in 2006;
• Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards (New York, 1958);
• Gary Born, International Arbitration: Law and Practice (2nd edn, Kluwer Law International 2015);
• Nigel Blackaby, Constantine Partasides et al, Redfern and Hunter on International Arbitration (6th edn, OUP 2015);
• Margaret Moses, The Principles and Practice of International Commercial Arbitration (3rd edn, Cambridge University Press 2017);
• Julian Lew, Loukas Mistelis and Stefan Kroll, Comparative International Commercial Arbitration (Kluwer Law International 2003).