International Business Transactions

Introduction

On August 28, 2008, the United Kingdom’s National Contact Point (UK-NCP) issued its decision in Global Witness v. Afrimex Ltd.[1] In this case, Global Witness, a non-governmental organization,[2] alleged that Afrimex Ltd.

Introduction

I. Introduction

The United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary General on human rights and transnational corporations and other business enterprises,[1] John Ruggie, submitted his final Report to the Human Rights Council on June 3, 2008.[2] The Report and its attendant documents

On March 25, 2008, the United States Supreme Court announced its judgment in Hall Street Assocs. v. Mattel, Inc.,[1] a case involving the exclusivity of the grounds for vacating arbitral awards under the Federal Arbitration Act (FAA). As explained below, the decision holds that the disputing parties may not agree to expand the grounds for vacatur beyond those listed in 9 U.S.C. § 10.

Introduction

Update: The Appellate Body Has Reversed the Panel's Departure from the Zeroing Jurisprudence (June 6, 2008)

Introduction

On September 16, 2007, security guards employed by Blackwater USA (Blackwater) fired on a crowd in Baghdad's Nisour square, killing 17 people. At the time of this incident, Blackwater was under contract with the U.S. Department of State to provide security for U.S. diplomats in Iraq. This incident triggered controversy in Iraq, the United States, and the international community concerning what law applied to Blackwater's actions and to the actions of other private security contractors (PSCs) hired by the United States to provide services in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Introduction