skiljenämnders

Skiljenämnder are panels of arbitrators used in Nordic jurisdictions to settle disputes outside the ordinary court system. The term denotes a standing or ad hoc board established to resolve specific kinds of disagreements, often through agreements between contracting parties or by industry associations and authorities. They are designed to provide faster, more specialized dispute resolution than traditional courts.

A typical skiljenämd comprises several members, frequently including a chair who is legally trained and other arbitrators who may have expertise in the relevant field. Members can be appointed by the parties themselves or by an appointing authority, and procedures vary by context. Proceedings may be written, or include hearings, depending on what the parties have agreed. The panel issues an award or decision that is generally binding on the parties. In many jurisdictions, appeals or challenges to the accuracy or legality of the award are limited, and enforcement follows local arbitration or court rules; cross-border enforceability may be aided by international instruments such as the New York Convention, where applicable.

Skiljenämnder are valued for their flexibility, speed, and industry-specific expertise, but criticisms include limited avenues for appeal and potential concerns about neutrality if appointment mechanisms are not robust. They function alongside ordinary courts as an alternative form of dispute resolution, often used for commercial, construction, or professional-fee disputes where parties seek a binding yet efficient outcome. See also arbitration, dispute resolution boards, and regional civil-procedure frameworks.