Skip to main content
Menu
30 January 2024

Latest News

Professor Horst Eidenmüller, Freshfields Chair in Commercial Law, publishes new research article

Together with Dr Kathrin Eidenmüller (Judge, Munich Court of Appeals), who was an Associate Member of St Hugh’s SCR between 2021 and 2022, and Conor McLaughlin (Barrister, Erskine Chambers, London), Professor Horst Eidenmüller, Freshfields Chair in Commercial Law, has completed a project on “Expanding the Shadow of the Law: Designing Efficient Judicial Dispute Resolution Systems in a Digital World — An Empirical Investigation”.

The research article presents and discusses the results of an empirical study on the design of efficient judicial dispute resolution systems for business-to-business (B2B) commercial disputes in a digital world. The empirical study is based on the findings from 24 structured interviews with senior legal practitioners and business leaders and an online survey that generated 275 responses from professionals worldwide.

The authors argue that courts are, and will continue to be, a cornerstone of the civil justice architecture, including in B2B disputes. States must not ‘outsource’ the provision of dispute resolution services to private providers but should improve the efficiency of judicial processes. Providing user-friendly and reliable digital and AI tools for information management and analysis, communication and decision-making is key, as are clear protocols for online hearings. But the authors find that disputing parties do not want to be judged by machines. Rather, they request competent and specialised human decision-makers, and efficient planning and case management.

 

Share this post

Related News Posts

St Hugh’s welcomes distinguished guest, Honorary Fellow, Jane Glover (Music, 1968)
On the evening of Saturday 20 September 2025, St Hugh's alumni gathered for a memorable College dinner featuring our distinguished guest of honour,
Read More
St Hugh’s welcomes alumni to jubilee celebration
On Sunday 21 September, we were delighted to welcome back alumni who matriculated in 1975, 1965, 1955, and even earlier for our annual Jubilee Lunch. ...
Read More
St Hugh’s Fellow receives Recognition of Distinction Award
Congratulations to St Hugh's Fellow and Senior Tutor, Professor Robert Vilain
Read More