The Validity of the Foreign Sovereign Immunity Defense in Suits Under the Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards

Authors

Tara A. O'Brien

Abstract

This Note examines the interrelationship between the Convention and the FISA, specifically, whether a sovereign's ratification of the Convention constitutes a waiver of immunity under section 1605(a)(1) of the FISA in actions to enforce arbitration agreements and awards. The development of sovereign immunity law in arbitration enforcement actions, pre-FISA and under the FISA's "waiver" exception, is reviewed in light of the Convention. The confusion over the Convention as it affects sovereign immunity is discussed, and a resolution of the issue is proposed in favor of barring the sovereign immunity defense in actions falling under the Convention.

Recommended Citation

Tara A. O'Brien, The Validity of the Foreign Sovereign Immunity Defense in Suits Under the Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards, 7 Fordham Int'l L.J. 321 (1983).
Available at: https://ir.lawnet.fordham.edu/ilj/vol7/iss2/4