voldgiftsmænd

Voldgiftsmænd are arbitrators in Danish arbitration (voldgift). They are appointed to decide disputes outside the ordinary court system and to issue binding resolutions known as voldgiftsafgørelse. The number of voldgiftsmænd is typically one or three, and they may be chosen by the parties themselves, by an arbitration institution, or by a court if the parties cannot agree. Arbitrators are expected to be impartial and independent and are often lawyers or subject-matter experts.

Appointments and process commonly follow either party agreement or institutional rules. In a typical commercial dispute, each party may nominate one arbitrator and those nominate appoint a chair; if the parties fail to agree, an appointing authority or the court can make the appointment. The panel conducts hearings, accepts evidence, and decides based on the law chosen by the parties (lex arbitri) or, if the agreement permits, ex aequo et bono.

Legal framework and enforceability are central to voldgiftsmænd. In Denmark, the Danish Arbitration Act governs domestic voldgift, and awards are generally final and binding with limited grounds for court intervention, such as procedural irregularities or violations of public policy. International arbitration under Danish law is supported by the New York Convention, facilitating recognition and enforcement of awards abroad. Voluntary arbitration is commonly used in commercial contracts, construction, shipping, and energy projects because it offers confidentiality, speed, and greater party control over procedure and selection of arbitrators.