Course Catalogue

This course examines all major aspects of cross-border litigation as the conventional and most important method of international dispute resolution between private parties. The primary emphasis is on the conduct of international litigation in EU Member States, but there will also be comparative treatment of other major jurisdictions (notably the UK and the U.S.). After introducing the concept of international litigation and the main policy issues at stake, the course will comprehensively address the crucial procedural questions lawyers must consider when bringing a cross-border civil or commercial dispute to a national court. These include: international jurisdiction (Which court is competent?), coordination between different jurisdictions (lis pendens, provisional measures), conduct of proceedings (service of documents, taking evidence abroad), as well as recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments. Students who have completed the course will have developed a sound understanding of international procedural law that will enable them to work successfully in a litigation context, be it in the judiciary, a law firm or a legal department. The course is suitable for exchange and graduate students (LL.M., M.C.B.L.) of law and related fields, as well as for LL.B. students aiming to cover the relevant aspects of international procedural law required for taking the First German State Exam according to § 8 Abs. 2 Nr. 5 JAPrO.