Introduction to Arbitration

The book "Introduction to Arbitration: Swiss and International Perspectives" by Marc Blessing is a comprehensive guide to arbitration, focusing on both Swiss and international arbitration practices. Here is a detailed overview of the book:

Key Themes

1. Swiss Arbitration Law: The book provides an in-depth analysis of the Swiss Private International Law Statute (DIP), particularly focusing on the international arbitration provisions contained in Chapter 12.
2. International Arbitration: It covers various aspects of international arbitration, including the role of arbitrators, the process of arbitration, and the legal framework governing international disputes.
3. Comparative Analysis: The book offers a comparative perspective by drawing on foreign literature and international case law, highlighting the importance of a global approach to arbitration.
4. Arbitral Discretion: It discusses the issue of arbitral discretion in conflict of laws, suggesting that a more structured approach, such as the closest connection test, could improve the arbitral conflicts process.

Plot Summary

The book is structured to provide a thorough introduction to arbitration, covering both theoretical and practical aspects. It includes:

• Commentary on Swiss Arbitration Act: The book contains detailed commentary on the Swiss Arbitration Act, highlighting its provisions and how they interact with international arbitration practices.
• Foreign Contributions: It incorporates contributions from foreign authors, emphasizing the importance of international perspectives in arbitration law and practice.
• Arbitral Procedures: The text delves into various arbitral procedures, including the discovery of documents, interim measures, and the enforcement of awards.

Critical Reception

While specific reviews of the book are not readily available, the following points can be inferred from the context:

• Relevance and Authority: The book is recognized as a significant contribution to the field of arbitration, particularly in the context of Swiss and international arbitration. Its comprehensive nature and inclusion of foreign contributions make it a valuable resource for both legal practitioners and scholars.
• Practical Application: The book is noted for its practical approach, making it accessible to those involved in arbitration, including lawyers, arbitrators, and commercial parties.

Publication Details

• Author: Marc Blessing
• Publisher: Helbing und Lichtenhahn (Basel, 1999)
• ISBN: 3719018385

In summary, "Introduction to Arbitration: Swiss and International Perspectives" by Marc Blessing is a seminal work that provides a detailed and comparative analysis of arbitration practices, both in Switzerland and internationally. Its comprehensive approach and inclusion of foreign contributions make it a crucial resource for those involved in arbitration law and practice.