Meaning
Formal document issued by an arbitral tribunal or a legal authority that has been officially verified as an accurate record of the final decision. A certified award is required for the enforcement of foreign rulings under international treaties such as the New York Convention. This verification confirms that the signatures are genuine and that the document has not been altered since its issuance.
Authentication Protocol
Verification involves a comparison of the document against the original records held by the tribunal or the administrative body. A certified award must carry the stamp or seal of the issuing authority to be recognized by a foreign court. This protocol prevents the use of draft versions or unexecuted copies in litigation.
Enforcement Requirement
Requirement for a certified award is a standard feature of cross border commercial treaties. It provides the legal certainty needed for a local court to issue a writ of execution against the assets of a foreign debtor. The certification acts as a barrier against the presentation of fraudulent or superseded versions of the ruling.
Procedural Validity
Validity is maintained through the application of the seal of the issuing authority. A certified award proves that the tribunal has fulfilled its mandate. This status is required before the award can be used to initiate insolvency proceedings.