Course Description
Many international business disputes are submitted to international arbitration. The course familiarises students with the role and function of international arbitration, including i) the selection of arbitrators, ii) the conduct of arbitration proceedings, iii) the organization of hearings, iv) the powers and duties of arbitral tribunals and domestic courts, v) annulment, recognition and enforcement of arbitral awards.
Course Objectives:
The primary objective of this course is to familiarize students with international arbitration. This is done through discussions on when and why arbitration is an appropriate method of dispute resolution, on the selection of an appropriate arbitration regime, and on how to draft an effective arbitration clause. Another objective of this course is to discuss arbitral procedure including, but not limited to, the method by which arbitrators are appointed and challenged, interim measures, emergency arbitration.
Achievement levels:
Objectives of the course:
The primary objective of this course is to familiarize students with international arbitration. This is done through discussions on when and why arbitration is an appropriate method of dispute resolution, on the selection of an appropriate arbitration regime, and on how to draft an effective arbitration clause. Another objective of this course is to discuss arbitral procedure including, but not limited to, the method by which arbitrators are appointed and challenged, interim measures, emergency arbitration.
The following achievement levels apply with regard to the course:
Knowledge and comprehension
Understanding the differences between arbitration and other methods of dispute resolution
Studying the basic requirements for an effective arbitration clause and identifying categories of disputes which cannot be arbitrated
Analysing common procedural questions which arise in arbitral proceedings
Acquiring knowledge about the methods of enforcing awards and oversight over the arbitral process
Application
Gaining insight into common problems with arbitration clauses and how these can be avoided.
Using the knowledge and experience gained in the course by doing group presentations.
Using the knowledge and experience gained in the course to respond to essay questions on the final examination.
Analysis
Students are able to analyse the effectiveness of arbitral clauses, develop arguments on points of arbitral procedure, and comment on the method by which awards can be enforced and challenged.
Presentation:Students are able to discuss their views in the interactive lectures on the prescribed readings
Students are able to present their legal analysis and findings on a specific factual matrix in the group presentations
Programme Final Qualifications
The following learning outcomes apply with regard to the course:
P.F.Q. = 2,4,5,6 & 8
Mode of Instruction:
Students are expected to attend 8 interactive lectures during the course of 4 weeks.
Attendance of the scheduled course lectures is mandatory. No grade will be awarded to a student who has been absent without being excused by the lecturer.
Students must complete the assigned reading prior to the lecture. Students will be regularly called upon during the lecture to answer questions. Insofar as the course lectures are wholly or partly conducted through videoconference, the students are expected to have functional microphones and cameras.
The course outline and selected reading materials not accessible on the Internet or through the library of Leiden University will be made available on Brightspace.
Assessment Method(s)
100% Three hour open-book final examination.
If the student receives less than a 6.0 overall, the student must retake an open-book exam which will replace both the grade of the exam and the participation grade.
The students may be assessed on the required reading, the lectures, and the lecture slides.
Reading List:
1) Alan Redfern & Martin Hunter, with Nigel Blackaby & Constantine Partasides QC, Redfern and Hunter on International Arbitration Student Version (Sweet & Maxwell, 7th ed., 27 October 2022, Oxford University Press.
2) The slides of the Lecturer and any other reference materials other than Redfern & Hunter, which will be made available on Brightspace.
**Disclaimer: **
Currently these pages are being updated to reflect the courses for 2025 - 2026. Until these pages are fixed as per 1 September 2025 no rights can be claimed from the information which is currently contained within. Should there be any future extenuating circumstances which may impinge our teaching and assessment, these could necessitate modification of the course descriptions after 1 September. This will only happen in the event of strict necessity and the interests of the students will be taken into account. Should there be a need for any change during the course, this will be informed to all students on a timely basis. Modifications after 1 September 2025 may only be done with the approval and consent of the Faculty Board and Programme Director.