International arbitration law (2011/2012)

Learning outcomes

The course is aimed at providing an in-depth analysis of arbitration as an alternative to traditional litigation before state courts; this will allow students to determine which is the best way to protect certain interests. Specific attention will be devoted to the advantages of arbitration, such as its flexibility, its expeditiousness, the confidentiality aspect, freedom to designate the arbitrators and easier circulation of arbitral awards compared to decisions rendered by state courts.

The course will focus on general issues, including the distinction between foreign arbitration and international arbitration, between administered and ad hoc arbitration, the pros and cons of an agreement on a sole arbitrator rather than on a panel of arbitrators, the importance of both the seat and the language of the arbitration, the sources of international arbitration, the arbitration agreement, the arbitral proceeding, the laws applicable to the arbitration, the arbitral award, the recognition and the enforcement of arbitral awards, etc.

During the course a deep analysis will be devoted to various arbitral awards and court decisions published in English.

The examination shall be oral.