A Practical Guide to International Arbitration in London

Chapter 9 Jurisdiction

Introduction

The determination of a tribunal’s substantive jurisdiction is crucial. The question may involve considering such matters as whether or not there is a valid arbitration agreement, whether the tribunal is properly constituted, and what issues have been submitted to arbitration in accordance with the arbitration agreement.¹ Failure to raise the question of jurisdiction early may deprive a party of the opportunity of raising it later and can ultimately affect enforcement. Issues of substantive jurisdiction are principally for the tribunal to resolve. Its entitlement to do so is known as "kompetenz-kompetenz". Before any tribunal or court can consider the issue of jurisdiction arising out of the arbitration agreement, ...