Jurisdiction and Forum Selection in International Maritime Law

Forum selection is typically the most crucial issue in a transnational case. Nowhere is this truer than in maritime law, where forum selection is the first and sometimes the only point of engagement in international maritime litigation. In this important collection of essays, ten outstanding maritime law scholars from eight countries analyze the complex theoretical and practical issues surrounding forum selection in maritime cases. Among the topics discussed are the following: injunctions; forum shopping for limitation of liability; forum non conveniens; effect of forum selection clauses; loss or damage to goods; the in personam link; and, recognition of foreign liens. The book stems from a symposium held at Tulane University in 2004 to honor the 70th birthday of Robert Force, the influential and respected scholar who founded the renowned Tulane Maritime Law Center. As befits such a festschrift, the book opens with a detailed analysis and overview of forum selection clauses, written by Professor Force and his Tulane colleague Martin Davies. This is followed by thought-provoking essays on comparative issues, procedural theory, competing jurisdictions, jurisdictional clauses, EC law, and other matters, and by insightful and knowledgeable reports on specific issues related to China and South Africa. At a moment in history when geopolitical trends and globalization of trade are rapidly growing and changing, maritime lawyers and the various agencies and commissions that sustain this vitally important branch of international legal practice will greatly appreciate this remarkable book.