International Commercial Litigation UCL

Overview

Does a court have the power to hear and decide a dispute arising out of an international commercial transaction? Will that power be exercised? Which law will be applied to resolve an international contractual, tortious, or property dispute? Once a court gives judgment, will that judgment have any effect outside its own territory?

The implications of Brexit for jurisdictional and recognition rules will be examined. Traditional English principles and rules concerning international commercial litigation form the basis of the law in many common law jurisdictions and have regained relevance in the light of Brexit. Attention will also be given to the relevant principles and rules of European Union law as applied before courts across Europe, and to the Hague Conventions applicable between state parties.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the International Commercial Litigation course from UCL Summer School, students will have:

• Developed the ability to differentiate between and delineate the scope of application of the common law and the retained European Union regimes governing international commercial litigation before English courts.

• Acquired the practical skills and knowledge necessary to determine the circumstances in which an English court will hear and decide an international commercial dispute.

• Acquired the practical skills and knowledge necessary to determine the effects of a foreign judgment in England.

• Acquired the practical skills and knowledge necessary to determine the law governing an international commercial dispute.

• Acquired the practical skills and knowledge necessary to manage complex international litigations, draft jurisdiction and choice of law agreements, and analyse and argue legal issues.