Global Legal Issues for Engineers and Constructors
Publication: Journal of Professional Issues in Engineering Education and Practice
Volume 133, Issue 3
Abstract
When performing engineering and construction (E&C) throughout the world E&C personnel need to be aware of the differences in legal systems and how contracts are enforced in different countries. This paper provides information on some of the international legal conventions, regional legal issues, and comparative legal systems. Next the paper addresses international engineering and construction contracts by providing a discussion on the clauses that could differ in contracts throughout the world and which clauses are important to include in international contracts. Specific contract clauses are examined in relation to how their inclusion or exclusion might impact global engineering and construction projects. The next section presents issues related to claims and change orders along with a brief discussion of dispute resolution techniques including international arbitration and contract clauses related to dispute resolution techniques. Anticorruption legislation is mentioned along with kidnapping and ransom insurance because both of these issues are increasing in importance in the global E&C arena. Liability issues that firms might face in the global E&C marketplace are explained along with risks associated with currency valuations and local labor conditions. A table of clauses pertinent to global E&C contracts is provided to help firms prepare for projects in foreign nations.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Professional Issues in Engineering Education and Practice
Volume 133 • Issue 3 • July 2007
Pages: 199 - 209
Copyright
© 2007 ASCE.
History
Received: Aug 21, 2006
Accepted: Feb 8, 2007
Published online: Jul 1, 2007
Published in print: Jul 2007
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