Powered by Lexis+® UK
Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom

England and Wales Court of Appeal: VCLT governs treaty interpretation; Korea–US FTA Chapter 11 consent conditional; English law inapplicable; section 67 challenge remitted (Republic of Korea v Elliott Associates)

Published on: 07 August 2025

Published by a LexisNexis Arbitration expert
Legal News
imgtext
Article summary

Republic of Korea v Elliott Associates, LP [2025] EWCA Civ 905

What are the practical implications of this case?

The judgment confirms the proper method for construing treaties under customary international law, as reflected in Articles 31 and 32 of the VCLT. It equally stresses the value of consistent treaty interpretation, so that investors and states can depend on a uniform approach irrespective of the forum.

In allowing the appeal and setting aside the High Court’s ruling, the Court of Appeal (COA) emphasised that nothing indicated that, when drafting the Treaty, Korea and the United States intended to import English domestic principles governing jurisdictional objections to arbitration. On that footing, the COA concluded there was no foundation for reading in, or applying, interpretative ‘rules’ derived from English law.

The decision further explains that, even where an AA 1996, s 67 application is in play, the analysis must disengage from domestic law considerations. Instead, the treaty is to be interpreted by reference to its text, its context and its object and purpose, ensuring alignment with its international character and the shared intention of the contracting states. This maintains a coherent interpretative framework across jurisdictions...

To view the latest version of this document and thousands of others like it, sign-in with LexisNexis or register for a free trial.

Popular documents

When evaluating a general damages claim, the practitioner ought initially to refer to the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG)...

Read More Right Arrow

This Practice Note This Practice Note reviews mechanisms used in settling litigation. A Tomlin order consists of a consent order paired with a schedule. It operates to stay proceedings on terms that have been agreed. The provisions contained in the schedule may remain confidential. This Practice Note describes the scope of confidentiality attaching to the schedule and sets out how it differs from a standard consent order. Sample wording for a Tomlin order is included, alongside links to precedents, as well as guidance on court approval. It also addresses varying, setting aside and enforcing a Tomlin order, including the considerations the court will take into account when handling applications for each. Further guidance is provided on interpreting and applying the relevant provisions of the CPR; however, some courts and divisions impose very specific requirements for both drafting and approval, and for approaching the schedule and confidentiality issues. Accordingly, you must consider the particular rules and court guide provisions in the forum where your claim is proceeding when drawing up the Tomlin order...

Read More Right Arrow

Date [ date ] Parties [ name of Landlord ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Landlord) [ name of Tenant ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Tenant) [ [ name of Guarantor ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Guarantor) ] [ [ name of Mortgagee ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Mortgagee) ] Definitions Within this Deed, the terms below shall be interpreted as follows: [ Annual Rent • the annual sum reserved under the Lease; ] [ Insurance Rent • the Tenant’s share of the Landlord’s costs of insuring the Property (as set out in the Lease); ] Lease • the lease of the Property dated [ date ], entered into between (1) [ the Landlord OR [ name ...

Read More Right Arrow

I, [ name ], of [ address ], solemnly and sincerely state that: [ Matters to be verified, set out in numbered paragraphs ] I make this solemn statement in good conscience, believing it to be true, and pursuant to the provisions of the Statutory Declarations Act 1835. DECLARED at [ details ] this [ day ] day of [ month and year ] Before me ................................................................................ [ signature of the person before whom the declaration is made ] A [ commissioner for oaths OR [ solicitor OR [ insert other qualification ] ] authorised to administer oaths ]...

Read More Right Arrow