In arbitration, it is generally assumed that witnesses and experts are under the obligation to act fairly and to tell the truth and that they will commit a criminal offense if not. Notwithstanding, in the Spanish laws, as in many other jurisdictions, there are not such duties formally required and the possible criminal liability for false testimony only apply for testimony provided before judicial courts.
This article proposes to amend the Spanish laws in two directions: establishing the obligation of witnesses and experts in arbitration procedures to act fairly and to tell the truth, and to include a provision in the Criminal Code to punish false testimony in arbitration procedures.
Iurgium [previously Spain Arbitration Review]