The Arbitration Act 1996 radically changed English arbitration law in a number of respects. The effects of those changes are still developing and are being reflected in decisions of the courts. This section by section commentary on the Act, which Lord Bingham described as "intensely practical and admirably user-friendly" when it was first published, has been updated in a fourth edition which features comments on more than 125 new cases decided since the last edition was written in May 2003. As a result of these cases, and some changes to subsidiary legislation, the commentary on a great majority of the sections of Part 1 of the Act (the crucial part for most practitioners) has been amended, sometimes substantially. The book continues to provide checklists of choices which those involved in arbitrations need to consider, together with drafting suggestions and model agreements. Written by three practising arbitrators, this new edition continues to provide the most readable and useful guide to the Act. It is an essential handbook for all who are concerned with English arbitration.

Table of Contents

Introduction; Tables; Materials; Text of the Act and commentary; Appendices

Author Biography

Bruce Harris is a full-time commercial and maritime arbitrator who has been involved in more than 8,000 arbitrations and made more than 2,000 awards. He has written, lectured and talked extensively on arbitration, and was President of the London Maritime Arbitrators Association in 1990/2 and Chairman of the Charted Institute of Arbitrators in 1993/4. He was a member of the DAC. Rowan Planterose is a practising barrister, Chartered Arbitrator, and adjudicator, and consultant to the solicitor's firm Davies Arnold Cooper. He is a construction and commercial lawyer, devoting much of his time to arbitration, either as representative of a party or as arbitrator. He is a member of the Chartered Institute's Professional Committee and has, in the past, been a member both of its Council and Executive Board. He lectures widely on both domestic and international arbitration matters and tutors for the Institute on numerous courses. Jonathan Tecks is a Principal Lecturer and Director of Advocacy and Dispute Resolution at the University of the West of England at Bristol. He is extensively involved with the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, most recently as Chairman of the Examinations Board. As a Chartered Arbitrator he arbitrates in respect of contract claims and financial services.