Gujarat National Law University to hold seminar on global arbitration - TOI news

In a unique endeavour, the Gujarat National Law University ( GNLU) is organizing a two-day seminar on international arbitration law starting from March 28. 

Being organized in collaboration with the International Chambers of Commerce (ICC), Paris; the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA); Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC), Singapore; and Amarchand & Mangaldas & Suresh A Shroff & Co (AMSS), the seminar has 'Changing Face of Arbitration in India' as the central theme. 

Legal practitioners and academicians will come together in a lecture series and throw light on the different facets of international arbitration law namely international commercial, maritime and investment treaty arbitration. Some of the biggest names in the field of arbitration, including former Chief Justice of India A M Ahmadi, additional solicitor general of India Gourab Banerjee, deputy counsel at ICC Paris Abhinav Bhushan and Tejas Karia of AMSS will be addressing the seminar. 

The first panel discussion will see official representatives from the ICC, LCIA and SIAC discuss the benefits of institutional arbitration over ad-hoc arbitration and best practices in the context of institutional arbitration. In the second panel discussion, scholars, practitioners, experts, users and arbitration enthusiasts will deliberate on how to make India a better seat of arbitration.

Source - timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/Gujarat-National-Law-University-to-hold-seminar-on-global-arbitration/articleshow/32036248.cms

International Law of Drones - From "Legalperspectives"

Viewed in multi-dimensional perspective, law follows the society. This proposition stands affirmed with the law being examined as a tool of social regulation and thus requiring adaptation such as to meet the changed social dynamics. Thus law evolves along with the evolution of law. A recent article entitled "The International Law of Drones" published by Mary Ellen OʼConnell under the aegis of American Society of International Law in this context "surveys the international law applicable to the recent innovation of weaponizing drones". Tracing the rise of drones and particularly 'attack drones' in recent times, the paper goes on to explore the need for 'special rules for drones' under International law.

In all, the paper provides interesting insights in the law-making process which culminates into rules of international standards and thus international law itself in the context of this new-found weapon of destruction. While the paper concludes that "drones have not created a revolution in legal affairs" and that "the current rules governing battlefield launch vehicles are adequate for regulating resort to drones", the paper does advocate further research to be undertaken in order

"to understand the psychological effects of deploying unmanned vehicles and the effects on drone operators of sustained, close visual contact with the aftermath of drone attacks". In all, an insightful discussion.

Source - http://legalperspectives.blogspot.com/2010/11/international-law-of-drones.html

Doha Legal Conference: 29-31 May, 2009

The Qatar Law Forum will host the Doha Legal Conference in Doha from 29th to 31st May 2009 under the patronage of His Highness the Emir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani. Its purpose is to provide an unprecedented opportunity for global leaders in law to debate the global commitment to the Rule of Law. The importance of this debate in the present global economic circumstances is self-evident. It is the ambition of the Forum to be the foremost meeting for positive transnational engagement among leaders in law from around the world. Given its reach, the Forum offers an unparalleled opportunity for face-to-face dialogue. It will address the administration of justice, latest methods of dispute resolution, and legal education, in an ever-changing world. Its focus will include the role of the law in meeting the world’s current financial challenges. The hosting of the Forum in the Middle East will allow the issues to be addressed both at a global level and in an Islamic context. There is the confirmed attendance of leading judicial figures (including eleven serving Chief Justices), distinguished academics from universities in Europe, the Americas, the Far East and the Middle East, together with regulators, central bankers and general counsel of the most senior level.

Among the host of topics being covered at the conference, the following may be in focus :

- Islamic Finance;

- The Legal Profession Today: Local and International Practice;

- From Delaware to Doha: the Legal Environment Necessary for Corporate Centres and Thriving Financial Markets;

- Redefining Global Governance;

- International Organisation and the Economic Crisis: The Contribution of Global and Regional Cooperation in Trade and Finance;

- In a Time of Financial Stress: Regulatory Law and the Credit Crunch; and

- International Dispute Resolution: Mediation and Arbitration and the Place of Law and Economics.

The provisional programme is available here...