Developments in the History of Arbitration

It is not always easy to see the relevance of history current practice, a complaint that might be levelled at arbitration. Yet uses made in work about present state arbitration show some fascinating interventions have been by both eminent academics and practitioners, with important differences emerging their interpretations. This article gives brief overview legislation relating arbitration, which predominantly relates relationship commerce courts. also suggests recent developments studies challenge assumptions those using it illuminate present. One particular difficulty way has used tendency focus exclusively on commercial Two detailed examples are given areas received less attention; early railway industry its use settling disputes for working-class friendly societies. These point exploring more diverse history, looks beyond London, lawyers commerce.
 Keywords: arbitration; dispute resolution; history; Georgian; Victorian; railways; societies; legislation.