ABSTRACT
Most maritime arbitration in London will be governed by the Arbitration Act 1996. This Act of Parliament is the most significant piece of English legislation containing statutory rules applicable to arbitration. The statutory framework for arbitration is generally regarded as favourable for maintaining the English system’s leading position against competing jurisdictions. Most of the judges who deal with arbitration cases have had practice in the area and their general readiness to take a purposive approach probably reflects their agreement with the underlying policy of the 1996 Act. The drafters of the 1996 Act intended it to restate the law in "a clear and accessible way so that it is readily understandable to all those who are considering arbitration". In the interests of speedy dispute resolution the 1996 Act gives effect to time limits for various steps in an arbitration or for challenging an arbitral award.
