Summary
The Arbitration Act 1996 is the principal statute governing arbitration in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Based on the UNCITRAL Model Law, it establishes the framework for arbitration agreements, arbitral proceedings, and arbitral awards. It enshrines the principles of party autonomy and limited court intervention, making London one of the world's premier arbitration seats.
Key Points
- Founding principles: party autonomy, limited court intervention, fair resolution (s.1)
- Stay of court proceedings in favour of arbitration (s.9)
- Appointment of arbitrators and tribunal powers (Part I)
- Duty of tribunal to act fairly and impartially (s.33)
- Challenge of awards on grounds of serious irregularity (s.68) or point of law (s.69)
- Enforcement of awards as court judgments (s.66)
Parts & Sections
Amendments History
2025 — Arbitration Act 2025 (expected)
Proposed reforms following the Law Commission review, including codifying arbitrator duty of disclosure and strengthening challenge procedures.