国际投资仲裁中的“法官知法”

Jura Novit Curia in International Investment Arbitration

在国际投资仲裁中,不同的法律文化或诉讼实践对“法官知法”会产生微妙的影响。在不同的具体情境下“法官知法”原则应当基于不同的法理基础予以适用。对于“法官知法”中“法”的类别予以简单界定并不具有合理性。原则上,当事方应当主张并证明其依赖的法律,同时并不排斥“法官知法”的补充作用。“法官知法”的适用是仲裁庭的权力,而非义务。仲裁庭行使这一权力总体而言应当持谨慎态度,只有在具有充分的正当理由时才适合行使。在适用“法官知法”原则时,仲裁庭寻求当事方的意见是适当的,且在特定情况下必须如此以避免违反正当程序。关于“法官知法”的正确理解和适用,对于我国政府与海外投资企业有效参与国际投资仲裁具有重要意义。

In international investment arbitration, different legal cultures or litigation practices may have a subtle impact on Jura Novit Curia. In applying the principle of Jura Novit Curia, tribunals should base on different jurisprudential basis in specific cases. To define the categories of the “law” in Jura Novit Curia simply is unreasonable. The parties should put forward and prove the law which they rely on, while that does not exclude Jura Novit Curia. The application of Jura Novit Curia is the power, not the obligation of the arbitral tribunals. The tribunals should take a conservative position in exercising the power, and it is only appropriate to exercise it when there are good reasons. In applying the principle, it is appropriate for the arbitral tribunal to seek the views of the parties, and even imperative in specific circumstances to avoid violation of due process. The proper understanding and application of Jura Novit Curia are of great significance to the effective participation of Chinese government and overseas enterprises in international investment arbitration.