International Arbitration: Scope Of Arbitrator’s Jurisdiction

Commercial arbitration has become the dispute resolution method of choice for many commercial parties due to the advantages that arbitration may offer to those who find themselves involved in a dispute. Advantages to both domestic and international arbitration include efficiency, confidentiality, and the opportunity for the parties to arbitration to appoint a specialized arbitrator of their choice.

An arbitrator who is appointed to resolve a dispute has the authority to render a binding decision much like a judge in the court system. Once an arbitrator has issued his or her decision, the arbitrator's authority over the matter has concluded.

As a general rule, the circumstances in which an arbitrator is able to amend an original award or reverse a decision are extremely limited. There has been some debate in the courts recently regarding when these limited exceptions to the general rule will apply. Recent case law from British Columbia and foreign jurisdictions has