Teaching code

4S008461

Teacher

Marco Torsello

Credits

6

Language

English

Scientific Disciplinary Sector (SSD)

IUS/13 - INTERNATIONAL LAW

Period

1° periodo lezioni (1B) dal Nov 5, 2025 al Dec 17, 2025.

Courses Single

Authorized

Lessons timetable Moodle Seminars 0

Learning objectives

The course is aimed at providing an in-depth analysis of arbitration as a dispute settlement mechanism between States (inter-states arbitration), between private parties (commercial arbitration) as well as between States and private parties (investment arbitration). Specific attention will be devoted to the understanding of the advantages and specificities of arbitration, such as its flexibility, its expeditiousness, the confidentiality aspect, freedom to designate the arbitrators and easier circulation of arbitral awards compared to diplomatic processes, international tribunals and decisions rendered by state courts, as the case may be. At the end of the course, students will develop the ability to formulate, in an autonomous and critical way, judgements and elaborated arguments on the main legal questions dealt with in class.

Prerequisites and basic notions

Basic knowledge of private law, international law, commercial law, and private international law is useful.

Program

The course will address the following topics:
1) Fundamental features and sources of international commercial arbitration;
2) The arbitration agreement;
3) Seat of arbitration and applicable law;
4) Arbitrators and arbitration proceedings;
5) Interim measures, emergency arbitration and collaboration between arbitrators and national judges;
6) Arbitral award, challenge of the award, and recognition and enforcement of foreign awards.

Bibliography

Didactic methods

Lectures, workshops, and seminar activities.
In particular, the course will focus on the practical case that will be presented in mid-October in the context of the Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot Competition.

Learning assessment procedures

Attending students may alternatively choose one of the following methods of assessment of learning:
1) oral exam (in English or Italian, at their choice) during which the student will be required to present the topics discussed during the course;
2) participation in the drafting of portions, agreed upon with the instructor, of the Memoranda for the Claimant and the Respondent, respectively, relating to the case raised in the Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot Competition.
Students who do not regularly attend the course during the semester can take the exam exclusively through an oral exam (in English or Italian, at their choice) during which the student will be required to present the topics discussed during the course.

Evaluation criteria

The evaluation will be based on the verification of the acquisition of the expected skills and abilities.
A portion of the final grade, up to a maximum of 50%, may be based on active class participation.

Exam language

English / Italiano

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