This session will explore procedural distinctions between arbitral tribunals and traditional courts, and the extent to which there are variations between: - common and civil law systems; - arbitral institutions that provide for greater court scrutiny; and - arbitration in general commercial cases as opposed to specialists London Maritime Arbitration Association (LMAA). The session will discuss the relative merits of procedures governing dispute resolution before courts or private bodies. It will examine the extent to which arbitration (both substance and procedural rules) require an element of judicial scrutiny in light of the fact that most are private/confidential. The identity and experience of arbitrator-types will be discussed. The session may also examine whether the development of a single transnational arbitral institution is a good idea in principle.